The second intergovernmental session between Cyprus and Greece will be held in late November in Nicosia, in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the presidents of the two countries, Nikos Christodoulides and Katerina Sakellaropoulou, announced on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference after a meeting in Nicosia, Christodoulides said the close coordination and cooperation between Cyprus and Greece was the strongest guarantee against any demands and expansionist ambitions.

Sakellaropoulou said it should be understood by all, especially Turkey, that cooperation and welfare could not be achieved with violence and that illegality could never produce justice.

She also said Greco-Turkish relations could contribute towards creating the preconditions for the resumption of talks on the Cyprus problem and that EU-Turkish relations were also linked to progress in the Cyprus problem.

Sakellaropoulou said Greece was waiting for the Turkish side to utilise the opportunity at hand for the resumption of talks.

The two presidents referred to the stabilising role of Greece and Cyprus in the region.

Christodoulides said they had the opportunity on Monday to exchange views on bilateral cooperation, in areas such as crisis management, civil protection, education, health and digital governance.

He said they also discussed the Cyprus problem, migration, Ukraine, the Middle East and the role the two countries could play as pylons of security and stability.

Sakellaropoulou said she was proud and emotional to be in Cyprus for the anniversary of Cyprus’ independence and referred to the adversities the island has had to face since 1960 and its many achievements.

She said Cyprus and Greece played a stabilising role in the region by building alliances with neighbouring countries, for a common future of peace, stability and welfare.

Furthermore, Sakellaropoulou expressed satisfaction for the progress in efforts to implement the Great Sea Interconnector, connecting the energy grids of Greece, Cyprus and Israel.

“This will strengthen our strategic position, will lift Cyprus’ energy isolation and will contribute to reducing the energy cost for the consumers,” she said.

Referring to the Middle East, Sakellaropoulou congratulated Cyprus on its steadfast will to help address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

She stressed the need for dialogue to solve the regional problems and pointed out that the only way forward was the one followed by Greece and Cyprus, “to find a peaceful solution through dialogue.”

To questions regarding the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides reiterated his will for a joint meeting with the Turkish side, with the aim of resuming negotiations.

He added that the international community agreed that negotiations could not resume on the basis of a two-state solution.

Sakellaropoulou is in Cyprus to attend celebrations for the 64th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence.

Speaking before a tête-à-tête meeting at the presidential palace, Sakellaropoulou said the relationship between Cyprus and Greece is excellent and today’s circumstances are such that any cooperation among countries sharing the same values and traditions, especially with Hellenism in common, can be beneficial in the direction of solving the Cyprus problem and addressing the challenges of the world.

Sakellaropoulou said that unfortunately, 50 years after Cyprus gained its independence, it was invaded by Turkey, while Greece was going through the fall of the dictatorship.

She referred to the Cypriot children who had been welcomed into Greek homes after the 1974 invasion, saying she had the opportunity to meet them in Piraeus and was happy she would be seeing them again during her stay in Cyprus.

“Solidarity is what gives light in dark times,” Sakellaropoulou said.

Welcoming Sakellaropoulou, Christodoulides said her visit was especially significant, given developments in the broader region. He also praised the excellent relationship between their two countries.

Referring to the children of 1974, Christodoulides said this was one of the unknown aspects of the invasion and expressed his joy that Sakellaropoulou would be meeting them again in Cyprus.