The Cyprus problem, bilateral ties and Commonwealth issues were discussed at a meeting between President Nicos Anastasiades with King Charles III in Scotland, following the British monarch’s invitation. The meeting was held in his private residence of Birkhall on the royal Balmoral estate and was also attended by Queen Consort Camilla and Cyprus’ First Lady Andri Anastasiades.
A written statement by Government Spokesman Marios Pelekanos described the atmosphere of the meeting as “friendly”.
President Anastasiades took the opportunity to update His Majesty on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue.
“The talks also focused on the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK, which significantly strengthened during Anastasiades’ ten-year tenure as president.
“During this period, the two countries have signed important bilateral agreements, most notably the Memorandum for Strategic Partnership and the Memorandum for the non-military development of land within the British sovereign base areas, to benefit the local population,” Pelekanos said.
Talks also included matters concerning the Commonwealth’s future, climate change and its implications.
In this regard, the President and King Charles discussed Anastasiades’ initiative for climate change action in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Government Spokesman Marios Pelecanos, the President briefed King Charles regarding the latest developments on the Cyprus problem. At the same time, they also discussed Cyprus-UK bilateral relations, including the memorandum permitting non-military development at the British bases in Cyprus.
This is the first meeting President Anastasiades had with King Charles since his ascension to the throne.