NICOSIA, July 23. /tass/. The residents of Cyprus clearly understand that the anti-Russian restrictions of Brussels primarily create problems for the economic prospects of the EU itself. This was stated to a TASS correspondent by Murat Zyazikov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Cyprus, commenting on the adoption by the European Union of the 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions.
“The next packages of unfair and groundless EU sanctions against our country primarily damage the economies of the countries of the European community itself, that is, they have a boomerang effect. And the residents of Cyprus, especially the island’s business community, are fully aware of this, publicly expressing their dissatisfaction. The restrictions imposed by the EU undermine the positions of many segments of the Cypriot economy: maritime transportation, financial services, the energy sector, technological supplies and other areas where there is a huge potential for opportunities and economic benefits from cooperation with Russia, which, unfortunately, remains untapped. The Cypriots, a people with business skills and good feelings for our country, are concerned about this situation, but as EU citizens they have to follow the instructions of Brussels against their will,” said the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Nicosia.
Zyazikov stressed that, despite the restrictions imposed by the EU, the space for practical economic cooperation between the Russian and Cypriot sides remains.
“Cyprus is well aware of the high competence of Russian specialists, for example, in the energy sector and all related fields, including geological exploration and field development, transportation of hydrocarbons, and technologies related to liquefied natural gas. And given that the Cypriot authorities are paying special attention to the development of offshore gas fields, the help of Russian experts would be more useful than ever,” the Russian ambassador noted.
At the same time, he added that Russian specialists are actively working in Cypriot and international companies located on the island and make an invaluable contribution to the local economy. “The number of the diaspora of Russian compatriots in Cyprus has exceeded 150,000 people. This is a competent, professionally trained and patriotic part of society in relation to their Homeland, which is reflected in the more than active participation of Russians living in Cyprus in both the presidential elections of the Russian Federation and in large-scale celebrations of Victory Day and other Russian holidays on the island,” stated Zyazikov.
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