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1st LD Writethru: Cyprus, Russia initiate cooperation protocol

Xinhua, February 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

Cyprus and Russia initialized a new cooperation protocol on Friday, the state television reported.

It said the protocol, along with other agreements, will be signed by Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades when he visits Moscow on Feb. 25.

Cypriot Finance Minister Haris Georgiades said the protocol is a reaffirmation of close relations between the two countries.

Russian Federation Deputy Minister for Economic Development Nicolai Podguzov said the protocol lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in the sectors of trade, energy, tourism, education, science, agriculture and stockbreeding.

Cooperation agreements in the sectors of commercial shipping and telecommunications will also be signed.

"We have drafted a very important package and have prepared the ground to a large extent for the signing of the protocol by the two presidents," Podguzov told the Cypriot state television.

Analysts consider as even more important the renewal of a military cooperation agreement expected to be also signed on Feb. 25, which will expand military cooperation between Cyprus and the Russian Federation.

The prospect of military facilities to Russia by Cyprus has already caused a strong reaction by Britain's High Commissioner (Ambassador) to Cyprus.

Britain's High Commissioner Rick Todd said in an interview this week which was characterized by an unusual lack of diplomatic tact that Cyprus has to consider that extending Russia's facilities is not in line with the European Union's common policies on Russia.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades replied that he would not think of making diplomatic suggestions to Britain and also played down the importance and the scope of the military agreement.

He said that the renewed agreement will offer Russia what other countries, including Britain, already enjoy, "perhaps excessively." Endit