Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis underlined on Wednesday, in Nicosia, the importance of the 2nd intergovernmental summit which, they said, has so far delivered substantial results and is a strategic choice and a legacy for both countries.

They also praised the cooperation and collaboration in the region in which, they noted, Greece and Cyprus are pillars of stability and security and also referred to the Cyprus issue and relations between Greece and Turkey.

In statements to the press, at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides noted that the intergovernmental summit is an essential component of bilateral cooperation that touches on sectors that affect the everyday lives of citizens and that the coordination of the countries strengthens the geopolitical footprint in the region.

The President said that both countries underlined from the beginning that the summits would lead to a more substantial deepening of relations in areas beyond national issues, namely in issues that relate to internal governance and touch on the common goals for the benefit of the citizens. He said that the summit sends messages beyond the symbolism in today's complex and unstable environment.

“I firmly believe that the benefits that arise from the exchange of best practices and know-how through expertise and professionalism make the scheme indispensable and necessary," he said.

President Christodoulides said that today, in the presence of the Ministers from both countries they discussed issues related to education, health, digital policy and the implementation of the digital citizen application, that will be available from December 5.

He also referred to the areas of civil protection, environment and climate change and management of water resources.

The President spoke of a critical juncture both regionally and internationally in a constantly changing world, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the change of government in the US, the new composition of the institutions in the EU, adding that all these require an even more enhanced coordination.

He also said that they exchanged views on the expanded meeting to be convened by the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing that discussion on the Cyprus issue is daily, direct and ongoing.

President Christodoulides noted that the status quo in Cyprus cannot be the future of the people, it is not sustainable and the end of the Turkish occupation and the reunification of the last divided member state of the European Union is "our number one priority."

The Greek Prime Minister said that the discussions are very frequent because the two countries are aligning their national aspirations and are following a common path for peace, development and prosperity.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that the discussions during these summits are of substance and referred to the areas in which the two countries enhance their cooperation.

Regarding energy, he said that the Cyprus-Greece interconnector (GSI) is a strategic project that also enjoys European support and will lead to the lifting of energy isolation.

He said that they discussed the major geopolitical challenges, adding that Greece and Cyprus are becoming increasingly pillars of security and stability.

Premier Mitsotakis expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire in Lebanon and added that Greece and Cyprus are always fighting so that the crisis that broke out does not lead to a regional flare-up. He expressed hope that a similar ceasefire can also exist in Gaza.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, he spoke of favorable dynamics for the resumption of the peace talks after a long period of inactivity, adding that thanks to the coordinated efforts of Athens and Nicosia, we now have "some signs of progress."

He indicated that Greece will be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the two-year period 2025-2026 and said that this is yet another opportunity to highlight the national cause for justice for divided Cyprus.

Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, he spoke of a common perspective between Greece and Cyprus on the matter, adding that the conditions may also favor the resumption of the talks.

“But we know that it does not imply a change in Turkey’s positions. We remain unwavering on issues of sovereignty and international law and the law of the sea”, he noted.

The Greek PM also said that EU-Turkey relations are now being examined through the prism of its relations with Greece and Cyprus and there are binding decisions of the European Council, forming a very strict framework which Ankara is obliged to fulfill, including, among others, the change of its stance vis-à-vis the Cyprus issue.

The Prime Minister announced that the 3rd Intergovernmental Summit will be held in 2025, in Greece.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. Numerous UN peace talks for the reunification of the island under a federal roof failed to yield results so far. The latest round took place in 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides attended an informal dinner on 15th October 2024, with the UNSG António Guterres and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The two sides are waiting from the UN to set a date for an expanded five-party meeting.