President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, described on Wednesday his visit to Astana as “historic” and spoke of an important landmark since the launch of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Kazakhstan in 1992. He was speaking after meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and following talks between the delegations of the two sides. The President was also decorated earlier with the Order of Friendship state award.

In his statement, President Christodoulides said that Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its role as an important economic and transport hub in Central Asia, and Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union and the Eurozone, offers stability, predictability and a fully EU-aligned business environment, while comprising a reliable gateway to Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

On the Cyprus issue, President Christodoulides reiterated his readiness to resume negotiations for a comprehensive settlement, “based on the agreed framework of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.” He publicly expresses his sincere appreciation to President Tokayev for Kazakhstan’s principled position on the Cyprus issue, as well as for your consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the first visit of a Cypriot President to Astana as an historic event that will upgrade bilateral relations between Cyprus and Kazakhstan, thanking President Christodoulides for accepting his invitation to visit Kazakhstan.

Cyprus is for Kazakhstan one of the most reliable partners in the European Union, he said adding that the political dialogue between the two countries is strengthening year by year. He recalled that 7 years ago, President Christodoulides had visited Astana as Foreign Minister and had stated at that time that the Republic of Cyprus was ready to promote the interests of Kazakhstan within the EU.

He also noted that the two countries have opened Embassies and President Christodoulides’ visit took place with the first direct flight between Astana and Larnaca, “and this has great symbolic value.”

The awarding of the state decoration of the Order of Friendship, he said, shows the appreciation, respect and expression of goodwill of the people of Kazakhstan in the person of President Christodoulides and the people of Cyprus.

The President of Kazakhstan said he proposed a roadmap for economic cooperation and the establishment of an intergovernmental commission and business council that would facilitate the achievement of joint projects and expand mutual trade.