Statement by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos to the Cyprus News Agency at the conclusion of the Trilateral Ministerial Μeeting between Greece-Cyprus-Jordan (Nicosia, 19 Decem

G. KATROUGALOS: As you are aware, the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus promote many trilateral cooperation schemes in our region because we do not wish to just be a pillar of stability, but we also want to export this stability in the search for peace and prosperity for our peoples.

The cooperation with Jordan is of special significance to this end, and today we held very important talks.

Let me remind, of course, that I had the opportunity to host my friend, Nikos Christodoulides, at a similar meeting that we had with the Palestinians at the Trilateral Meeting with Palestine, on Monday 17 December, as well as the fact that our leaders are going to travel to Israel to hold similar Summit Meetings at the end of the week.

This shows precisely the multidimensional nature of the foreign policy to which we adhere, as well as the fact that we are trying to be players for peace and at the same time players that promote economic cooperation and the economic prosperity of our peoples. In this context, therefore, I believe that today’s Trilateral Ministerial Meeting was especially successful, which also paves the way for the meeting of our leaders, in the first half of next year.

REPORTER: Minister, please permit us to ask a question related to the Cyprus issue, since you also had a two-day meeting with Mr. Christodoulides, and you too had met Ms. Lute, who has concluded her contacts.

G. KATROUGALOS: As you know, we do not just talk with Cyprus, but we hold the same views. We are waiting to hear Ms. Lute’s thoughts. Our side’s emphasis, that of the Hellenic Republic, is on the need to highlight the nature of the Cyprus issue as an issue of International Law, and of course for the progress that was made at Crans Montana to be reflected with regard to the very important issue of guarantees and the absence of foreign occupation forces.

REPORTER: Are you optimistic that there will be an outcome to the terms of reference?

G. KATROUGALOS: We at least wish for very good preparation this time, so that we have the best possible chances to achieve something good.