Dimitrios A Theofilaktou, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Sri Lanka, based in New Delhi, presented his credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena, saying Nicosia wishes to enhance its ties with Colombo.

An official statement issued in Nicosia on Tuesday said that the High Commissioner had the opportunity to exchange views with President Sirinesa on bilateral and international issues, confirming the excellent relations between the two countries.

Theofilaktou briefed the Sri Lankan President on the current phase of the Cyprus problem and thanked him for the consistent position of principle his country maintains towards the island.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed talks are underway with the aim of reuniting the island under a federal roof.

Theofilaktou informed Sirinesa of President Anastasiades’ and the government’s hope for further strengthening bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest such as shipping and dealing with asymmetric threats such as terrorism.

He also referred to the common history of the two island states from colonial times to independence, their participation in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth, the good cooperation within international organisations and the promotion of the principles of international law, including the Law of the Sea. (Sigma Live)

-Agencies