Press Releases

Further to my satisfaction today for hosting in our country the MED5 Summit, I am pleased not only to welcome the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr Vit Rakušan, but also sign a joint Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the Czech Republic for financial contribution for the management of increased migrant flows in Cyprus.

The response of the Government of the Czech Republic and the actual financial support towards the Republic of Cyprus demonstrate the solidarity that has been gradually consolidated among member states as regards the management of the migration issue, in particular towards the member states at the forefront which carry the heaviest burden.

During recent years, the Ministry of Interior has intensified to the maximum the provision of correct information to our European partners. It is precisely because of this that we have managed to raise awareness among many member states as well as organized institutions to assist and support us in various ways in our difficult task.

The financial contribution, on the part of the Czech Government, for an amount of one million euros, in 2022, will be used to finance the voluntary returns of those migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected, thus decisively contributing in maximizing the goal we had set since the beginning of year; a goal we serve with consistency, thus achieving the return of 5000 people to their country of origin so far. At the same time, with the signing of the agreement, the possibility of further support to the Republic of Cyprus, in the years to come, remains open.

I, therefore, feel the need as well as the obligation to express our thanks and gratitude to the Czech Republic and in particular to the first Deputy Prime Minister, my friend, the Minister of the Interior of the country, Mr Vít Rakušan, for this initiative and for their actual contribution in the financial support of the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus.

This act, dear Minister, dear Vit, acquires even greater significance, as it takes place at a time when, Cyprus, on the one hand, is faced with major migration challenges, and Europe, on the other hand, suffers from the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, triggering, inter alia, serious economic difficulties. For this reason, please allow me to warmly thank you and I am certain that this day will be the spark for further enhancement of the relations between our two countries in various areas.

(EP/EF/IK)