NICOSIA: Cypriot, Armenian Presidents Pledge To Boost Relations

CYPRIOT, ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS PLEDGE TO BOOST RELATIONS

Cyprus News Agency
July 7 2009

[Report by Maria Fili: "Cyprus -Armenia Issue Joint Communique"]

Yerevan, 7 Jul: The following Joint Communique was released after the
meeting on Monday in Yerevan between the President of the Republic
of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and the President of the Republic of Cyprus
Demetris Christofias [Dhimitrios Khristofias]:

"On July 6 and 7, 2009, the President of the Republic of Cyprus
Demetris Christofias paid a state visit to the Republic of Armenia
upon the invitation of the President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan.

Armenian-Cypriot friendship, anchored on strong historical connections
between the peoples and the shared cultural heritage, offers a
solid foundation for the development of multifaceted cooperation for
the benefit of two friendly countries and the peace and prosperity
in Europe.

In an atmosphere of mutual understanding and constructiveness the two
Heads of State discussed the current situation and the prospects of the
Armenian-Cypriot relations, and exchanged views on the international
and regional issues of mutual interest.

The parties stressed the importance of further developing the
political and economic relations between Armenia and Cyprus, promoting
mutually beneficial initiatives in various areas and finding new
avenues for such cooperation. They expressed readiness to foster
ties between entrepreneurs, to encourage mutual visits and business
forums. Exchange of experience in the field of tourism, services,
banking and development of small and medium enterprises was also
emphasized. They also agreed to promote relations in the fields of
culture, education, science and communications.

The Presidents underlined the need to further broaden the legal
framework of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Cyprus.

The Presidents expressed their support to the efforts to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group process and
stressed that the conflict should be resolved without use of force
and only by peaceful means and through negotiations based on the
principles and norms of International Law.

The Republic of Armenia welcomes the ongoing negotiations aiming
to achieve a comprehensive, just, viable and agreed solution of the
Cyprus problem, based on International Law, the Charter of the United
Nations and the principles upon which the European Union is founded.

The sides underlined the necessity to establish and develop normal
relations between neighbouring states without any preconditions,
on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.

The parties expressed their readiness to strengthen and broaden
cooperation within the framework of the European Union initiatives,
including the Eastern Partnership. Stressing the significance of
the freedom of movement in the present world the parties agreed to
promote visa facilitation -one of the key components of the Eastern
Partnership.

The Republic of Cyprus will contribute to the further strengthening
of the dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the European
Union in the interest of all parties.

The parties also agreed to intensify the cooperation in international
organizations and to take into due consideration each other’s position.

The parties also emphasized the significance of bilateral and
multilateral cooperation aimed at maintaining common security and
stability in Europe and considering new and efficient mechanisms of
common and indivisible security in the framework of international
and regional organizations.

Noting with satisfaction the outcome of constructive negotiations, the
Presidents will undertake practical steps for effective implementation
of all agreements reached".