Italian president on first official visit to Cyprus

Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the longest-serving president in the history of the Italian Republic, arrives in Cyprus on Monday for a two-day official visit.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted the importance of Mattarella’s visit – the first  by an Italian president to the island since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states – and  part of the 20th anniversary of Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, as well the 50 year commemoration of the Turkish invasion.

Mattarella, accompanied by a large delegation, will arrive in the early afternoon and will be welcomed at the Presidential Palace by  President Nikos Christodoulides and the First Lady.

Afterwards, the two presidents will hold a private meeting followed by extended talks between the delegations of the two countries, after which they will make statements to the press.

In the afternoon they will visit Nicosia town hall and the old town of the capital along the green line. Mattarella will also meet members of the Italian community in Cyprus.

In the evening, Christodoulides and his wife will host an official dinner in honour of Italian president.