Following the negotiations in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko thanked President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades for supporting European integration aspirations of Ukraine.
“Ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU by Cyprus is an exceptionally important step for us. Thank you, Mr. President, for your personal firm position and the position of your political force that made this important step possible,” Petro Poroshenko said.
Also, the President expressed gratitude for the firm support of Cyprus for the sovereignty and independence of our state, as well as non-recognition of Crimea occupation by Russia. The Head of State emphasized the necessity of efficient coordination of actions of the whole world for the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea and the occupied part of Donbas. He also expressed gratitude for the firm position of the entire EU on the introduction of sanctions for the non-implementation of the Minsk agreements and prolongation of sanctions for the non-fulfillment of commitments undertaken by Russia.
The Presidents conducted extremely intensive and fruitful negotiations that help coordinate efforts in the international arena, inter alia, in the UN format, where Cyprus supported Ukraine during the vote for the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. “This position is extremely important for us now, because Ukraine protects peace and stability today. We have an opportunity to use the UN Security Council tribune for the establishment of peace and stability in Ukraine,” the Head of State emphasized.
The parties negotiated support of Cyprus for the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU. “I was pleased to hear your firm position of support in this crucial issue for Ukraine,” Petro Poroshenko said.
Following the negotiations, the parties signed 4 documents, inter alia, those allowing the avoidance of double taxation. The Head of State expressed hope that it would facilitate the development of economic relations between the two countries. According to him, in the course of the economic forum, Cypriot businessmen will get to know the new steps of Ukraine on the improvement of investment climate. “Cypriot businessmen will always be very welcome in Ukraine,” the President noted.
Petro Poroshenko thanked Nicos Anastasiades for the invitation to visit Cyprus and gratefully accepted that proposal. He is planning to visit Cyprus in the first half of 2016.
In his turn, the President of Cyprus thanked for hospitality and noted that negotiations had confirmed the high level of bilateral cooperation and interaction in the framework of the EU and other international organizations. “I would like to repeat once again that our friendly relations with other countries will not in any way affect our relations with Ukraine,” he emphasized.
Speaking of the situation in Ukraine, the President of Cyprus noted: “We see that the Minsk agreements are not fully implemented today. Apparently, we should intensify our efforts for these agreements to be fulfilled. Cyprus will support Ukraine in its efforts to preserve territorial integrity,” Nicos Anastasiades said.
The President of Cyprus praised the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities aimed to reform the country, particularly on the track of European integration. “I am glad that you are making every effort to implement the decisions required by the European Union for Ukraine to become a member of the EU. I would like to express full support for Ukraine in its efforts to become as close as possible to the EU. We will endorse the introduction of the visa-free regime with Ukraine,” the President of Cyprus emphasized. He expressed hope for the implementation of the Association Agreement and introduction of the visa-free regime in the nearest future.
The parties discussed the “Cyprus dispute”. The President of Cyprus thanked the Ukrainian President for his position regarding this issue.
The President of Cyprus expressed confidence in the further enhancement of bilateral cooperation. Today’s Ukraine-Cyprus business forum should facilitate that as well.