Press Releases

First of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation to Cyprus. Thank you for the invitation to MED5 meeting. We are looking forward to becoming a new member of this. We do not have a sea but we have a new situation for us; we are facing major crisis today in the whole of Europe, and the migration crisis is a common issue, not only for your country but also for Central Europe.

We have more than 400,000 refugees from Ukraine in the Czech Republic. It is 3,8 per cent of our population – it is a great number. The number of illegal migration, also through the Czech Republic, is now higher than before. So, we can understand your situation very well.

And if we want to face this crisis in Europe, we have to know what solidarity means. This kind of help from the Czech Republic to Cyprus is a sign of solidarity; it is a proof that we all in the EU are well aware of the situation of other countries.

I hope that this contribution, which is the part of our programme for aiding the place, will help you also with the return politics, which is important for your country and for your future.

It is really my pleasure to be able to help you and be here with you.

Thank you very much.

(EK/IK)