On December 3, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides went on a working visit to Ukraine. The trip comes ahead of Cyprus' presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The journalistic groups arrived in Ukraine through Poland, from where they went to Kyiv by train. Christodoulides arrived in Kyiv on a 10-hour journey by rail, the only way currently available for citizens and officials, including state leaders, to enter the Ukrainian capital as the country's airspace remains closed.
During the visit, the President of Cyprus will hold talks with the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Christodoulides defends the principled position of Cyprus, which is to support international law, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The leaders are expected to discuss the process of Ukraine's accession to the European Union, as well as the priorities of the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. Particular attention will be paid to the application of international sanctions and the need for a unified, transparent approach by member countries.
On Thursday, December 4, Christodoulides and Zelensky will lay a wreath at the Wall of Heroes memorial in memory of the Ukrainians who died defending their country. This will be followed by a bilateral meeting and extended talks at the presidential palace, followed by a working lunch.
The visit program also includes a meeting with Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
In addition, the President of Cyprus will visit a rehabilitation center for children arriving from Ukrainian territories under Russian control, and before leaving, he will visit St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the main monuments of Ukrainian Orthodox tradition and cultural heritage.
Christodoulides is accompanied by government spokesman Konstantinos Letimbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Rauna, Director of the diplomatic mission Doros Venezis and other officials. The President's return to Cyprus is expected on Friday, December 5.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
