President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou reaffirmed Greece's commitment to the liberation and reunification of Cyprus during her visit to Nicosia on Tuesday.
Sakellaropoulou was in Cyprus to attend a military parade marking the 64th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus’s independence, alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
In her statement, Sakellaropoulou emphasised the historical importance of October 1 as a day to honour the struggles and sacrifices that led to Cyprus gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960. "Sixty-four years after its foundation, and in spite of the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974 and the ongoing occupation, the Republic of Cyprus stands as a modern European country and a pillar of stability in the region," she said.
The Republic of Cyprus has faced a divided history since 1974, when a military coup in Cyprus, backed by the Greek junta, prompted Turkey to launch an invasion of the island. This led to the occupation of the northern third of Cyprus, resulting in the island’s division that persists to this day. Despite United Nations efforts and numerous negotiations, Cyprus remains split, with the Republic of Cyprus governing the southern part, while the northern area is occupied by Turkish forces and operates as the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey.
Sakellaropoulou underscored the deep "brotherly bonds" between Greece and Cyprus and expressed continued determination to work together towards the liberation and reunification of Cyprus. "Greece and Cyprus will continue to fight for the liberation and reunification of the island and its people," she stated.
Earlier in her visit, Sakellaropoulou paid respects by laying wreaths at monuments commemorating those affected by the 1974 invasion, honouring the memory of those who lost their lives and the resilience of Cypriots in the face of ongoing division.