Greek soldiers who served in Cyprus were honoured on Friday with the unveiling of a monument in Keramoti, Kavala, Greece, where President Nikos Christodoulides spoke of pursuing the reunification of the island through “assertive realism.”

“Our aim and pursuit, through assertive realism and by strengthening the international standing of the Republic of Cyprus, is to achieve the liberation and reunification of our homeland,” Christodoulides said.

He added that Nicosia and Athens remain in close contact and consultation — a cooperation that has led to what he described as “new movement” in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, which he hopes will bring positive results.

Referring to the presence of Greek armed forces in Cyprus (Eldyk), Christodoulides described them as a “significant legacy for Cypriot Hellenism.”

“We are all honoured and grateful for the sacrifice, struggles, and service of every Greek soldier,” he said.

The president also attended the burial ceremony of Charalambos Samlian, originally from Keramoti, who was killed in Cyprus on July 19, 1964.

The costs of the repatriation and burial, as well as the creation of the monument and the renovation of the village square, were covered by the Cyprus Bank Employees’ Union (Etyk).