As part of their regular contacts, President Nicos Anastasiades spoke by phone on Sunday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macros, government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said in a written statement.

During their conversation, the two presidents exchanged views on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, in relation to the expected Cyprus conference.

Anastasiades told Macron of his readiness to participate in substantive talks as soon as possible under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, from where talks left off in 2017 in Crans-Montana.

The goal of the Greek Cypriot side, he said, was to achieve a comprehensive, sustainable and lasting solution of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the principles and values ​​of the European Union.

Given that France is one of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, Anastasiades highlighted the role that Paris could play, in particular on security issues and the implementation of a Cyprus settlement agreement.

Macron, according to Koushos, reaffirmed France ‘s full support for the resumption of negotiations on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles and values.

The two leaders also had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the forthcoming European Council meetings. Special mention was made at next month’s summit, when the issue of Turkey is expected to be discussed again on the basis of the relevant report to be submitted by the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell.

Macron reiterated Paris’ commitment to the strategically important Cyprus-France relationship aimed at jointly addressing challenges in the eastern Mediterranean, as the two countries share the same vision for peace and stability in the wider region.