The relationship between Cyprus and Greece is excellent and today’s circumstances are such that any cooperation among countries sharing the same values and traditions, especially with Hellenism in common, can be beneficial in the direction of solving the Cyprus problem and addressing the challenges of the world, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said on Monday.
Speaking at the presidential palace, where she met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Sakellaropoulou said that unfortunately, 50 years after Cyprus gained its independence, it was invaded by Turkey, while Greece was going through the fall of the dictatorship.
Sakellaropoulou, on the island to attend celebrations for the 64th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence, referred to the Cypriot children who had been welcomed into Greek homes after the 1974 invasion, saying she had the opportunity to meet them in Piraeus and was happy she would be seeing them again during her stay in Cyprus.
“Solidarity is what gives light in dark times,” Sakellaropoulou said.
Welcoming Sakellaropoulou, Christodoulides said her visit was especially significant, given developments in the broader region. He also praised the excellent relationship between their two countries.
Referring to the children of 1974, Christodoulides said this was one of the unknown aspects of the invasion and expressed his joy that Sakellaropoulou would be meeting them again in Cyprus.
After the welcoming ceremony, the two presidents had a tête-à-tête meeting.
