Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus, hold a press point with the journalists ahead of the "This is Europe debate" in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Strasbourg

press point

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Cyprus (T)

president's agenda

This is Europe Debate (T)

CHRISTODOULIDES, Nikos

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, and by Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament Good morning. First of all, let me start by saying I am delighted to welcome the president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidīs, to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. A familiar face for us here. But now, first, as President, he is here with us today as part of the This is Europe series and will present his vision for our future to the plenary.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament Since you took office, dear Nikos, we have already met four times in Brussels, in London, in Frankfurt, and just two weeks ago in Moldova. We have already seen each other so many times that is really a clear indication of the European Parliament's dedication to Cyprus's priorities, but also your commitment.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament Dear Nikos, I will say it again and as many times as necessary, as long as Cyprus is split, Europe will never be complete and you are not alone in your desire to see your island reunified under the auspices of the U.N. peace plan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament We also talk about a lot about migration, a challenge which is not specific for Cyprus, but one that I know is very present for you. It is clear that no member state can handle migration flows on its own. And this is why last week's breakthrough agreement by your government and others on new migration rules is very good news.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament The European Parliament has already adopted its position in May. We are ready to start negotiations and we can and must progress. After seven years of deadlock. We owe it to everyone, to our population, our citizens, those seeking refuge and all our partners around the world because the EU needs one migration and asylum policy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament We can protect our borders and find an approach that is fair, that is humane with those in need of protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible, and that is strong against traffickers exploiting the most vulnerable. So dear President Christodoulidīs, I'm excited to hear your comments on Europe today. The floor is yours.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, Thank you, Madam President, dear Roberta, indeed it is the first time that we're meeting since I assumed my duties. And I'm looking forward to our next meeting, that will be in Cyprus, to start together the campaign for the elections for the members of the European Parliament.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, Elections that are very important for all member state, but especially for Cyprus having in mind that we are start preparing for the presidency of the Council of the European Union. I'm always enjoying my discussions with the President. We had some substantial discussions.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, First of all, on the Cyprus problem, we are doing our utmost in order to resume negotiations and I'm looking forward to the support of the European Parliament. The European Union can play a leading role in our efforts to resume negotiations, and I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank Roberta for her interest in clear positions on on the Cyprus problem.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, Of course, we discuss migration, an issue of common interests, migration, next year's European elections. I'm looking forward to my address to the plenary. It's a great honour for me to be here 100 days after I assume my duties. Thank very much.

Q&A, Question regarding the EU being the gamechanger in order to resume talks for the Cyprus issue.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament Well, first of all, the Cyprus problem is not only a Cypriot question, it is also a European question. And I believe that an increased EU involvement at all stages of the negotiation can only be helpful, especially as any solution needs to be properly aligned with the EU acquis. Of course, it is clear that the solution needs to be found within the framework of the U.N.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament And the European Union, potentially through an envoy of the right calibre, could facilitate a new impetus to the negotiations so that they can start again. And the restart of the talks must be our first steps and priority. I will not comment on what has been said in specific instances, but let me repeat one thing in as clear a manner as possible.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament The only way forward is for there to be a single sovereign European state, a bi communal, bi zonal federation in line with the UN Security Council resolutions. We should also keep in mind that Cyprus has acceded to the European Union as a whole and hence the need and the reason for EU involvement.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, Thank you Roberta for your clear position. You know the active involvement of the European Union, especially at this juncture, especially now that we are trying to break the deadlock and resume the negotiations for the solution of the Cyprus problem, yes, I really believe that can be a game changer.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, The European Union has all the necessary tools, the incentives if you want, is within the full spectrum of the EU Turkey relationship that can lead to a win win situation for all interested parties. And I fully agree with Roberta. The Cyprus problem is a European problem. Cyprus, a member State of the European Union, will continue to be a member of the European Union following a possible solution.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, And yes, we need the European Union to be actively involved always within the context of the UN framework. The European Union is not to replace the United Nations. The European Union is to support the efforts of the United Nations.