Cypriot top diplomat Nikos Christodoulides said Friday he had talked about EU-Russia ties with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and noted that it was essential for Moscow and the bloc to maintain dialogue
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 22nd February, 2019) Cypriot top diplomat Nikos Christodoulides said Friday he had talked about EU-Russia ties with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and noted that it was essential for Moscow and the bloc to maintain dialogue.
"We had a detailed discussion with Mr. Lavrov on the EU-Russian relationship. Despite undeniable difficulties and problems, it is important to maintain constant dialogue and exchange opinions," he told reporters.
Christodoulides, who is in Moscow on a two-day visit, said continued contacts between Russia and the 28-nation bloc would help them identify opportunities for improving their ties and work closer on various international issues.
Ties between Russia and the European Union soured after a vast majority of people in Crimea voted in March 2014 to leave Ukraine for Russia. The bloc, which blames Moscow for annexing the region, imposed economic sanctions on Russia and has been extending them every six months. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied allegations of interfering in Ukraine affairs and noted that 96 percent of those participating in a regional referendum voted in favor of the Crimean reunification.
