Cyprus President Christodoulides calls for cooperation
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, speaking in Nicosia, said that the country cannot afford to act separately on matters of national importance. He stressed the need for cooperation to resolve the Cyprus issue, Cyprus Mail reports.
Government priority
Speaking at an event organized by the Koken youth trust association, Christodoulides called the resolution of the Cyprus issue the government's top priority, as well as the “liberation” and “reunification of our homeland.”
According to him, the authorities seek to strengthen Cyprus' position through foreign policy, defense, the economy and state institutions. The president also listed a clear Western orientation, stronger defense capabilities, a resilient economy and state reform among the government's priorities.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Defense and foreign ties
Christodoulides said that defense spending is planned to increase in next year's budget. He called strengthening the country's deterrence potential important and stated that Cyprus needs stronger defense capabilities and alliances.
The president also defended the government's foreign policy, saying that before joining the European Union in 2004, Cyprus had no clear foreign policy line. He mentioned the development of the country's ties with states in the region, noting that he had visited Egypt the day before and that the president of Israel was due to arrive in Cyprus the following day.
Christodoulides also addressed migration separately. He claimed that the number of arrivals had fallen by 90%, while the number of returns had increased by more than 85%. He also reported a decline in unemployment.
