Elminster

That's a serious accusation to make, @SteveReedMP. To which racial group do you believe I was racist? If you can't answer, we'll be free to conclude you're a liar. x.com/ArchRose90/sta…

Written statement by the Government Spokesperson @SpokespersonCY @letymbiotis on the telephone communication of the President of the Republic @PresidentCYP 🇨🇾@Christodulides with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @10DowningStreet 🇬🇧 The President of the Republic held a long telephone communication today with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @Keir_Starmer , at the latter’s initiative, in the context of the regular contacts between the two leaders on geopolitical developments in the wider region. During the conversation, the President of the Republic underlined the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a pillar of stability and a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the importance of further strengthening coordination and cooperation with the United Kingdom, also within the framework of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, which is grounded in close and sincere cooperation, on the basis of mutual respect and a longstanding partnership. The President of the Republic briefed the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on the approach he presented before the leaders of the European Union Member States at the recent European Council, regarding the need to undertake a coordinated initiative, in cooperation with partners, with a view to de-escalating the crisis. He stressed that leveraging multilateralism constitutes the primary diplomatic avenue for strengthening these efforts and for making a meaningful contribution to safeguarding stability, while actively supporting the countries of the region. Within this context, the substantive strengthening of EU–UK relations constitutes an important element, and the Republic of Cyprus supports and will contribute to the further upgrading of this strategic cooperation.  The British Prime Minister concurred and referred to the recent joint statement issued by the United Kingdom together with other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, which confirms the shared approach towards strengthening multilateralism and focusing on de-escalation. During the discussion, with regard to the British Bases in Cyprus, President Christodoulides referred both to challenges that have arisen and to lessons learned from the management of the crisis thus far. In this context, he presented a proposal for the initiation of relevant discussions. The British Prime Minister reiterated to the President of the Republic that the security of the Republic of Cyprus is fundamental to the United Kingdom and, to that end, a decision has been taken to enhance the means contributing to the preventive measures already in place. Finally, the Prime Minister reiterated that the British Bases in Cyprus will not be used for any offensive military operations. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact in view of developments in the region and the common challenges.