Russian president pays a historic maiden visit to Cyprus
NICOSIA, Cyprus — President Dmitry Medvedev this week became the first Russian leader ever to visit Cyprus as he landed on the island state on October 7 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of robust diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the visit, the host, Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias, and his high-profile guest, discussed a broad range of issues of bilateral importance, ranging from deepening cooperation in the economic and financial sectors, development of tourism and humanitarian ties and several topics.
They also exchanged views and opinions on acute international issues, such as boosting rapprochement between Russia and the European Union, especially on the prospects of transition to a visa-free regime between Russia and EU member states.
Also on the talks agenda were the Kremlin’s pet project — the proposal to sign a new legally binding agreement on pan-European security, the issue of Cyprus regulation based on the existing UN Security Council resolution and others. At the end of the talks, the two leader penned a joint program of cooperation activities from 2010-13 and other vital documents aimed at boosting the level of cooperation between Moscow and Nicosia.
Other major highlights of the visit included Russian president’s presentation of the Order of Friendship, one of Russia’s highest state honors, to Cyprus president for “the latter’s huge personal contribution to the overall development of Cyprus-Russian ties,” the Russia-Cyprus Business Forum with the participation of both presidents and Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church on the island.
By Christopher Kenneth
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