The issues of migration, international relations and Cyprus settlement come to the fore. The flow of refugees, diplomatic challenges and unresolved territorial conflict require specific actions. What measures have already been taken, and what remains on the agenda for the coming years?
President of Cyprus Nikos Christodulidis turned to the nation on March 12, summing up the results of two years in the post. In conclusion of his long speech, the head of state spoke about migration policy, the international significance of Cyprus and the settlement of the separation of the island.
What has changed in migration policy?
In the field of migration, the head of state listed the following changes:
- a reduction in the arrival of refugees in Cyprus by 64% compared to 2022; - an increase in the number of repatriations in relation to the profits from 43% in 2022 to 179% in 2024, which made Cyprus the EU champion in this matter; - a reduction in the number of residents in the center for reception of Purnar refugees by 82%; - the creation of Migration Rubbin; Employment control, including illegal.
The fight against corruption and development of the natural gas deposit
In the field of foreign policy, the government steadily worked on strengthening the reputation of Cyprus in the international arena, which was expressed in a more intensive fighting for corruption and signing an agreement on cooperation between Cyprus and FBI in the fight against money laundering.
Christodulidis also referred to natural gas agreements and spoke about the beginning of drilling in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus by the forces of transnational corporations Exxonmobil and Qatar Energy.
The path to solving the Cyprus issue - through the negotiation process
Finally, Nikos Christodulidis touched the question of Cyprus settlement. “From the first day, as I began to fulfill my duties, my main goal and promise to the Cyprus people was to resume objective negotiations to resolve the Cyprus problem based on the agreed framework. Our political will, which is recognized by everyone, and our coordinated efforts have made it possible to intensify international interest, create conditions for moving forward and achieve a clear relationship between European Store relations with Cyprus settlement, ”he said.
The President recalled that next week he would go to an expanded meeting on Cyprus settlement in Swiss Geneva. “The current state of affairs cannot be the future for our country,” he added.
At the end of the speech, the president assured that in two years in his post he did not hesitate to take up serious and perennial unresolved problems of Cyprus society. “In a difficult and constantly changing international situation, we came across challenges and tried to use all the possibilities. A stable pace, with a clear planning, we move forward along the path of responsibility and sequence for the only purpose - to serve the interests of the Cyprus people. Two years later, we continue our work with new important initiatives and reforms. Together we change Cyprus, ”the head of state concluded.
The text is prepared based on Pio.
