Anastasiades praises Christodoulides in first meeting after elections

The first official meeting after the elections between ex-president Nicos Anastasiades and his successor Nikos Christodoulides took place on Tuesday night with the former praising the new government.

“I had a very friendly and productive meeting with the president,” he said.

“I am glad because the policies being pursued create the prospects for continued successful governance, along with new ideas which are always welcome,” Anastasiades said after the meeting.

He added that the two discussed the Cyprus problem, the energy sector and domestic matters.

Reporters quizzed Anastasiades as to what he thinks of Christodoulides’ push for greater EU involvement in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.

“It’s an effort in the right direction, it’s something we previously sought and I hope it comes to fruition,” he replied, stating that the EU was present for the first time at the Crans Montana negotiations in 2017.

“Therefore, a special representative working towards a solution is to the benefit of both communities,” he said, adding that Turkey would also benefit from a bigger EU involvement in the matter.

Finally, Anastasiades declined to comment on the ongoing spat between the attorney general and the auditor general, but said that the constitution is clear on the matter.