Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized as unacceptable any “violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus” in a meeting he had with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades in Milan, according to a statement released by the Cypriot Government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides.

The two presidents met on the sidelines of the ASEM meeting in Milan and had an “extensive discussion in a friendly and cordial atmosphere” at a dinner hosted late on Thursday by the President of the Italian Republic for delegates participating in the Asia – Europe Summit.

Therefore, the meeting between the two men that was scheduled for today will not take place.

According to Mr. Christodoulides, the discussion between the Russian President and Mr. Anastasiades focused on the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Russia, EU-Russia relations as well as the current phase of the Cyprus problem with emphasis on the latest developments as these were shaped as a result of the Turkish NAVTEX with regard to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus.

“Mr Putin reiterated Russia’s principled position both as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem and the inalienable right of the Republic to take advantage and exploit its natural resources within the EEZ,” underlined the Cypriot Government spokesman.

Anastasiades and Putin agreed to meet again, depending on developments, Mr. Christodoulides said in his statement.

In fact, after the meeting, the President of the Republic of Cyprus posted on Twitter a photo of him next to the Russian President with the following comment: “Great meeting with President Putin on the Cyprus-Russia relations and the current phase of the Cyprus problem.”