The German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s inaugural state visit to Cyprus, “carries significant weight”, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday.
Letymbiotis stressed that this visit by the German President to the Presidential Palace is particularly notable as it is the first state visit received by President Christodoulides since he took office. It also marks the first occasion a German President has visited since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Cyprus and Germany.
He also pointed out that this visit aligns with three historical anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and continued occupation of Cyprus, the 20th anniversary of Cyprus joining the EU, and the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
President Steinmeier, along with a German delegation, is scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on the afternoon of 11 February.
The following day, President Christodoulides will welcome President Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace for a ceremonial event to honour both Presidents, which will be followed by one-on-one discussions and broader talks between the two nations’ delegations. After these sessions, the Presidents will address the media.
Subsequently, the Presidents will visit Nicosia City Hall and then tour the capital’s old town, close to the Green Line.
“The visit of the German President along the ceasefire line in the last divided capital of Europe is both symbolic and of utmost significance,” Letymbiotis said.
He further mentioned that the leadership of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE) would host a meal, followed by President Steinmeier’s visit to the Anthropological Laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and a short meeting with UNFICYP peacekeepers. Steinmeier will also visit the House of Europe and the Goethe Institute, and meet with the President of the House of Representatives.
An official dinner in honour of the German President will be hosted by President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in the evening.
On 13 February, President Steinmeier will engage with students at Makarios III Gymnasium in Platy Aglandjas, then proceed to the Kofinou migrant reception Centre for a briefing by the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou.
His visit will continue to the village of Lefkara in the Larnaca district, followed by lunch in the village of Kato Drys with President Christodoulides before departing for Germany.
