Gerapetritis: dialogue essential for Cyprus solution

Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, said on Friday that without dialogue, there can be no solution to the Cyprus issue.

Commenting on his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during the informal EU foreign affairs council on Thursday, Gerapetritis noted that the discussion took place in a positive atmosphere, with the Cyprus issue being a key topic of discussion. He emphasised that resolving the Cyprus issue is a “major priority of the Greek government.”

Speaking about the content of the discussion, Gerapetritis said: “There is an obvious understanding that the parties should sit down at the table for dialogue. It goes without saying that without discussion and dialogue there can be no solution and for this reason we are absolutely ready [to engage in talks].”

Speaking to Greek TV station SKAI, Gerapetritis reiterated that President Nikos Christodoulides has repeatedly expressed his willingness to engage in discussions within the framework of a viable solution, in line with UN Security Council resolutions. “We are awaiting the Turkish side’s position,” he added.

Gerapetritis said he also discussed Greco-Turkish relation with Fidan, as well as preparations for an upcoming meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during the UN General Assembly in September.

Additionally, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, remarked on Friday that the Cyprus problem is the most significant issue affecting EU-Turkey relations.

He added that the unofficial meeting on Thursday focused on facing common challenges.

“We discussed everything that matters to our bilateral relations and the geopolitical environment,” Borrell said. “Our discussions centered mainly on how we can face the challenges that affect both of us, particularly the stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The most important issue affecting our relationship is the Cyprus issue,” he stated, adding, “We did not delve into Turkey’s internal issues.”