Cyprus on the agenda in Moscow

THE Cyprus problem, trade and bilateral relations with Russia are the top items on the agenda of Foreign Minister George Lillikas, currently on a three-day visit to Moscow.

Lillikas and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed their countries’ strong relations, and pledged to enhance these, both on the political and economic levels.Talks between the two sides would also focus on co-operation with the context of international organisations, including the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.On Cyprus, Lillikas called on Russia to use its influence in the UN Security Council to assist in implementing the July 8 agreement between the two communities on the island.

“Today’s talks took place in a climate of friendship and mutual understanding,” Lillikas said, adding that both countries respected international law and had similar or identical positions on a series of international issues.

“I wish to thank the Russian government for its continued support to the people of Cyprus, to the struggle for reunification. This support is invaluable, and we see it as an expression of friendship and solidarity,” noted Lillikas.

For his part, Lavrov stressed that seeking the good offices of the UN Secretary-general was a “vital” element in promoting efforts aimed at a solution.The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) quoted Mikhail Kaminin, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, as saying Cyprus was one of the most important foreign investors in Russia.

Lavrov and Lillikas would also be discussing the issuing of visas, enabling Russian nationals to stay longer on the island. He noted that last year some 120,000 Russian tourists had visited the island.

Meanwhile, Russia’s official news agency ITAR-TASS reported that, during his stay in Moscow, Lillikas was planning a presentation on the presence of oil and natural gas in the southern Mediterranean and the prospects for Russian corporations.According to the news agency, Lillikas said he hoped Russian companies would take an interest and bid for the exploration tenders proclaimed by the Cyprus government.