Ioannis Kassoulides discussed a “wide range of issues” with German counterpart Annalena Baerbock

Bilateral relations, immigration, Ukraine and the Cyprus problem were among the topics Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides discussed with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in a meeting on Monday.

Kassoulides is currently on a working visit to Berlin where he is expected to return on Tuesday.

“We exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine following the Russian invasion, assessing the EU’s coordinated response, but also the complications created at global level in the area of energy supply and, the food crisis.”

The minister also thanked Germany for its constructive efforts to find European solutions on immigration.

“We had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues related to bilateral relations and to consider ways to further deepen cooperation in various fields. Especially in the fields of defence and security, Cyprus and Germany have recently signed the first cooperation protocol, which lays the foundations for the creation of a mutually beneficial relationship,” Kassoulides said in a statement after the meeting.

“We also discussed ways to strengthen coordination within the EU, and particularly in the European decision-making process.”

Kassoulides also briefed Baerbock on the Cyprus problem and reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to finding a solution.

The meeting took place a few weeks after the visit of the President Nicos Anastasiades to Berlin and the contacts he had with the President and Federal Chancellor of Germany.

“This is practical proof of the importance that our countries attach to the deepening of bilateral relations and the political dialogue between us,” Kassoulides said.

The minister also met with foreign policy adviser Jens Plötner. In a tweet – written in German – Kassoulides wrote the two had a “fruitful and productive meeting” and discussed “current matters in our bilateral and European agendas.”