Germany is ready to do its utmost to support the process for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said, ahead of an official visit to the island on November 17.
In a statement to Cyprus News Agency, Steinmeier said that during his visit he would like to find out more about the ongoing Cyprus talks and he will make clear to all parties involved that Germany wants to do its utmost to support the process.
“We Germans have been following the Cyprus talks very closely for many years,” he mentioned and continued, “Germany and Cyprus share the experience of a long division of their countries. Germany had the good fortune to enjoy the gift of rapprochement, reconciliation and reunification, and hope that our friends in Cyprus will be able to do so, too.”
Steinmeier will be received by President Nicos Anastasiades and have a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides in a working lunch the Cyprus Mail mentions. They will also discuss bilateral relations between Cyprus and Germany, ways to strengthen them, migration and “regional issues of common interest”.
According to CNA, Steinmeier will also meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on November 17.
The German foreign minister also pointed out, “A solution to the Cyprus conflict would also send a signal to the whole region beyond the country’s borders. This is why Germany and the EU are observing the process with such great interest”.
“I have the impression that both sides are taking the talks seriously and are keen to reach understanding. This gives us grounds for hope,” he underlined.
“I would like to find out more about the ongoing negotiations during my visit. And I will make it clear to all those involved that we want to do our utmost to support this process,” he concluded.