Welcoming the visit by the Armenian delegation to Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades expressed assurances that it will be a new stimulus to further deepen the cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus that has been anchored by a centuries old friendship.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan presented the President of Cyprus with the details of the discussion held on the previous day with his Cypriot colleague, and noted the directions which defense cooperation between the two countries can take.

The President of Cyprus expressed the importance of the role played by the Armenian community in Cyprus, which has harmoniously integrated itself in Cypriot society while simultaneously maintaining its culture, language and religious identity. At Vigen Sargsyan’s request, Nicos Anastasiades presented recent development in issues facing Cyprus.

During the meeting, references were also made to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia expressed his gratitude to the President of the Cyprus, for his constructive and consistent position with regards to that issue. Both parties were of the same opinion that vast potential exist to further develop relations between the two friend nations, and that this potential must be realized.

On the same day, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan met with the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, Dimitris Silurisi. Greeting the delegation led by Vigen Sargsyan, Dimitris Siluris expressed the importance of the visit and noted that the historically friendly relations must be enriched with practical steps. The Minister of Defense of the Armenia, referring back to the referendum on Constitutions reforms which took place in Armenia in 2015, informed the President that Armenia is transitioning to a Parliamentarian system of government, which radically increases the role of the National Assembly. In this context, Vigen Sargsyan expressed assurances that cooperation between parliamentary groups is of more importance, as is cooperation of parliamentary delegation on an global format. This will increase the efficiency with which common challenges are addressed. Questions concerning the conflicts in Cyprus and Artsakh were also discussed.

On May 30th, Vigen Sargsyan met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasulides. The head of the foreign affairs administration of the Cyprus noted the centuries long friendship between the two countries as an important prerequisite for deepening cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus. Ioannis Kasulides expressed the importance of the Armenian community in Cyprus, which has become fully integrated in social-political life in Cyprus, while simultaneously preserving its national identity. The Minister of Foreign Relations of Cyprus expressed assurances that the visit by Vigen Sargsyan can be a strong stimulus for deepening cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus, particularly in defense. Minister Kasulides warmly reminisced of his visit to Armenia.

The Minister of Defense of Armenia expressed his gratitude to the Cypriot party for the warm welcome and presented the details of the negotiations which took place in the preceding days. Vigen Sargsyan noted that joint efforts are necessary to address modern challenges. The formation of new sources for tension, according to Minister Sargsyan, is impermissible and can have a number of unforeseeable consequences. In this regard, according to Minister Sargsyan, the emphasis is placed on joint efforts between nations that have common interests and the development of effective dialogue.

The conflicts in Cyprus and Artsakh were also discussed. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, it is improper to draw parallels between the two conflicts, since, unlike Northern Cyprus, which was occupied by the Turkey, Artsakh is historically Armenian territory, which has always been populated by Armenians, who have struggled for their security and declared independence. Vigen Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to Ioannis Kasulides for his clear and consistent perspective on the Artsakh issue, noting that it is of great importance for friendly Armenia.