CYPRUS CAN BE “BRIDGE” BETWEEN EU AND NEIGHBOURS – SPEAKER

Cyprus News Agency
20 May 04

Nicosia, 20 May: Cyprus can act as the bridge between the European
Union and its neighbours, including the Republic of Armenia, agreed
both Cyprus House President Dhimitris Khristofias and Armenian Foreign
Affairs Minister Vardan Oskanyan.

Speaking after their meeting, Khristofias said they discussed the
latest developments in the Cyprus problem as well as prospects of
enhanced bilateral cooperation.

“Friendly relations, development of economic and cultural exchanges,
when accompanied by practical steps, become more solid. I wish to see
the soonest possible such results so as our cooperation and friendship
can be further strengthened,” said Khristofias.

He said Oskanyan conveyed to him a message from his Armenian
counterpart and said that he would visit Armenia soon.

Oskanyan thanked Khristofias for the meeting, saying it was short but
very constructive, during which they outlined their vision as to how
they saw the future of bilateral relations.

“In future, we will focus on economic cooperation. There are no
political differences between our two countries. Just the opposite,
I think we have a lot in common in our vision and approaches to the
resolution of conflicts and regional peace and stability so we will
continue to work together in international organizations to advance our
common causes and continue to provide support to each other”, he said.

He said he looked forward to the visit by the House president to
Armenia, noting that the president of the National Assembly had
already visited Cyprus.