The Disy party has always supported the church and will work alongside it for the common cause of thwarting Turkish designs on Cyprus, presidential candidate and party leader Averof Neophytou said on Tuesday.

His remarks came after a meeting with Archbishop Georgios.

Neophytou said he had felt the obligation to pay a courtesy call to the newly-elected archbishop and “to reiterate to him our longstanding position of supporting the church.

“In this struggle of the Greek Cypriot people to foil the Turkish threats, the church and the state can both contribute,” he said.

Congratulating the Prelate on his enthronement, the Disy leader said he was pleased the new archbishop has prioritised “social cohesion and dealing with the demographics issue.”

He added: “The Democratic Rally [Disy] will always support the church of Cyprus.”

For his part, Archbishop Georgios thanked Neophytou for his visit and wishes.

“With Mr Neophytou, we developed a bond from the very first day of my transfer to the Paphos bishopric. The day of my ordainment there coincided with his election as MP for Paphos, and ever since we have developed a particular friendship.”

Noting that he values Neophytou’s friendship, Georgios said he also appreciates the politician’s views, although they disagree on some.

He wished Neophytou all the best for the presidential elections.

The new archbishop was enthroned as Georgios III on January 8, following elections held in December. The throne was vacated after the passing of Chrysostomos II in early November after a long battle with cancer.