Slovenian President Danilo Türk on official visit in Cyprus

Nicosia, 12.10.2010  |  press release

President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Danilo Türk and his spouse Barbara Mikliè Türk arrived on official visit to the Republic of Cyprus. President Türk was accompanied by the Slovene Finance Minister Dr Franc Kri¾aniè and an economic delegation comprising 35 representatives from the Slovene business sector. After their arrival to Nicosia, President Türk and his spouse were welcomed by President of the Republic of Cyprus Dimitris Christofias and his spouse Elsie Christofias.

After the official welcoming ceremony, the Slovene President laid a wreath at the statue of the late President of the Republic of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios III. After a short talk between the two presidential couples, President Türk and President Christofias had a tête-à-tête meeting and led plenary talks between the delegation of the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Slovenia.

After the plenary meeting Slovene President Danilo Türk signed the Visitors Book at Presidential Palace of the Republic of Cyprus. Afterwards, the two Presidents attended the solemn signing of the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income that was signed on behalf of Slovenia by the Slovene Finance Minister Franc Kri¾aniè.

Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias welcomed President Türk in Cyprus on behalf of the Cypriot nation, by expressing the greeting with a respect and sincere friendship. President Türk thanked him for a warm welcome and added that he has come to Cyprus with a deep respect for the Cypriots and with a desire that the problems Cyprus is facing be solved. Both Presidents estimated that the relations between Cyprus and Slovenia are growing well and they encourage further deepening of the cooperation of both countries in all areas.

President Türk stressed that from 2004 both countries are members of the European Union and that in this period they have managed to develop a good political understanding and a good cooperation in all areas. From this point of view, Slovenia constantly expressed the devotion to core values, such as human rights and respect for the rule of law. He stressed that both countries are great defenders of human rights, which is a firm basis for their bilateral cooperation in the future.

President Christofias said that this signing of the Convention is an important step forward as it represents the beginning of new dynamics in economic relations between both countries and provides a solid basis for the development of business cooperation between Cyprus and Slovenia. President Türk expressed hope that the visit of Slovene delegation of representatives of the business sector, which accompanies the President during this official visit and will attend the Slovene-Cypriot business conference in Nicosia, will contribute to this basis.

The two Presidents discussed also the issues of the European Union. President Türk said that Slovenia respects the European Union as a political and legal frame which gives their Members States the possibility to be heard. In his opinion, the European Union is still developing and there is still much to be done regarding the common foreign and security policy. The President stressed that all Member States need to participate in this project – large or small, old or new.

The Cypriot President introduced their endeavours to solve the problem of Cyprus to the Slovene President. He assured that they will continue to work for a mutually acceptable, permanent, viable and functional solution within the framework of federation, based on two politically equal communities, as described in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. In his words, the solution needs to end the occupation and colonisation of a part of the island and reinstate Cyprus as a single state with a single sovereignty, a single citizenship and a single international identity. This solution needs to grant all human rights and fundamental freedoms to all Cypriots, added President Christofias.

The Slovene President expressed support for conversations regarding the Cypriot problem under the organisation of the UN. He stressed that the historical role of the United Nations is also the obligation to find an ultimate solution that will bring to an end the most important questions. This approach supports also the European Union, said Mr Türk, and greeted Mr Cristofias’ decision to do so. The Cypriot President said that he highly values the support of President Türk and the consistent and fundamental approach of the Republic of Slovenia regarding the problem.

The two Presidents discussed also the Turkish candidacy for membership in the European Union. President Türk expressed support of Slovenia towards Turkish endeavours to enter the Union, as did President Cristofias, adding nevertheless that this support is not unconditional. He stressed that before their entering Turkey needs to fulfil the duties they have towards Cyprus and the European Union. In his words, Turkey needs to contribute to resolving the Cypriot issue not only with their words but also with their actions.

President Türk presented to the Cypriot President the Slovene position regarding the situation in the Western Balkans. Both Presidents have undertaken that this area shall follow the European perspective. As explained the Cypriot President, this is not beneficial only for the countries from the area but also for the European Union as it arranges stability and development. Both Presidents exchanged their views regarding the peace process in the Middle East for which both countries have traditionally the same approach, especially regarding the Palestine question. The Slovene President stressed that the positions of both countries are identical or almost the same also with other international issues.

The two Presidents discussed some global issues which burden the humankind. In their opinion, for the solution of these issues a creative dialog, determination and cooperation are necessary. The Presidents again expressed the devotion of both countries to international law, human rights and universal principles and values. At the end, Mr Cristofias welcomed Mr Türk again and wished progress and prosperity to the friendly people of Slovenia and health and happiness to President of the Republic of Slovenia Danilo Türk for a successful continuation of his demanding work.

Afterwards, the Slovene President met the mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou and members of the Nicosia City Council.