Mr. Osadchiy Stanislav Viliorovich, born in 1951. In 1973 graduated from Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Joined the diplomatic service in 1973. Member of the Governing Board of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. Diplomatic rank — Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Master of Science in History. Foreign languages — German, Greek, English, Turkish and French. Mr. Osadchiy Stanislav kindly accepted an invitation for an exclusive interview with Premiere.

Please give an overview of the significant bilateral agreements between the two countries that have strengthened co-operation and relations.

The friendship between Russia and Cyprus has a long history. People of our counties share an understanding of the importance of the development of our bilateral relations.
For more than a quarter of a century, Russians have gradually become a leading and stable part of Cypriot society, contributing a lot to the wellbeing of the island. Indeed, there are several bilateral agreements underway in their final stages. These agreements cover very important fields of our cooperation, such as education, transport and crisis situations where joined efforts of our competent authorities are crucial. Let us hope that the ministries involved in the work on the agreements are not going to face any bureaucratic obstacles on their ways, so that these important documents are signed soon.

What have defined the relations of Russia and Cyprus in recent years? How significant is economic co-operation, mutual investments and Russian business presence in Cyprus?
Russia and Cyprus traditionally enjoy mutual trust and support. One of the pillars of our partnership is the substantial co-operation in the economic field. On the sidelines of the last session of the Russian-Cypriot Intergovernmental Commission on economic co-operation (Moscow, 26-27 April 2016), we agreed to expand and diversify our bilateral co-operation in a wide range of spheres, including energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, banking and others.

Cyprus remains a leading investor in the Russian economy. According to our statistics, as of the beginning of 2016, the stocks of direct investments to our country amounted to $94.6 billion (U.S.) and the stocks of the Russian direct investments to Cyprus — $92.3 billion (U.S.). The Russian businesspeople in Cyprus actively contribute to the economy of the island in such sectors as tourism and real estate. Their activity plays a great role in the strengthening of mutually beneficial and cordial bilateral cooperation.

Recently, the Cyprus parliament adopted a resolution in support of lifting the sanctions on Russia. What is your opinion regarding the sanctions? Is this a fundamental step in the Cyprus policy of recent years?
We certainly welcome the recent decision of the Cypriot House of Representatives to support the resolution, «For Lifting the Sanctions of the EU against the Russian Federation». All political parties representing Cypriots, with the exception of DISY that decided to abstain from voting, cast their votes in favour of expanding the relationship with Russia. Economic restrictions proved to be damaging for the economic ties of the European Union with our country. Cyprus, alone, lost millions of dollars as the result of a decision taken by Brussels. It is difficult to say whether it is a fundamental step in the Cyprus policy. I can only comment that it is a logical step towards the improvement of our economic ties and a massive impulse for other countries of the EU to follow such an approach.

President Nicos Anastasiades has expressed Cyprus’ high appreciation over the principled position of Russia on the Cyprus problem. How do you see a solution developing?
Our country has always been supporting the negotiations process that is going on between Cyprus’ communities on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and with respect to the mutual interests of both sides involved. Now, when negotiations have come into their active phase, it is necessary for both leaders to show political will and courage in order to reach a comprehensive solution within this year. This might be a very difficult task since the core issues of a settlement are planned to be discussed in a very limited time framework. Nevertheless, we sincerely hope that N. Anastasiades and M. Akinci will manage to do so. Our principled position, as you call it, is, in fact, very simple and clear — Russia as a member of the Security Council will welcome and support any kind of agreement reached by Cypriots themselves without any interference and one-sided terms imposed.

The National Day of the Russian Federation was recently celebrated at the Russian Embassy. Do you feel corporate events of this kind enhance both communities’ cultural relations?
Corporate and cultural events of any kind enhance both communities’ cultural relations. As for the National Day Reception, it is more of a formal event with the participation of such distinguished guests as H.E. President of the Republic of Cyprus N. Anastasiades and H.E. President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus D. Syllouris. An event that reflects the real scope of the cultural ties between our counties is the Annual Russian-Cypriot Festival in June. It is a three-day event in the Municipal Park of Limassol with numerous artists on stage representing the huge role of culture in our bilateral relations. During the first day only, the attendance exceeded 7000 people. For eleven consecutive years, the festival has become a symbol of friendship between Cypriots and Russians. As President N. Anastasiades describes it:

«The Festival has become immensely popular. It underlines the unique aspects and the richness of the cultural traditions of our countries. This is an event that enhances the mutual understanding between our countries».

The success of the CyRuBA (Cyprus Russian Business Association) has created a networking platform between Cyprus and Russian business sectors. What attracts Russian business to Cyprus?
Cyprus, due to the unique combination of its geographical location, advantageous taxation system and high level of services in corporate management, is considered to be one of the most attractive business destinations for Russians. Our businesspeople invest a lot in Cyprus, especially in such areas as tourism, construction and the banking sector. More and more Russian companies open up representative offices and expand their operations on the island. A good example is last year’s decision of «RCB Bank» to open two more branches, in Nicosia and Limassol.

Russian quality tourism to Cyprus has been ever increasing. What do you think attracts Russian tourists to Cyprus?
It is no wonder that Russian tourists make their decision in favour of Cyprus. It is ideal for family holidays and attracts with the cultural and spiritual closeness that exists between our countries. The island has always been very popular among Russians, especially in summer time. Local sightseeing and well-developed infrastructure have greatly complemented the mild Mediterranean climate. The increasingly important factor that draws numerous tourists from Russia to Cyprus is its unique and heartfelt atmosphere, created by Cypriots. This powerful combination of nature’s beauty and sincere character of the Russian-Cypriot relationship makes Cyprus one of the perfect travel destinations.

As the founder of the Russian Business Woman of the Year Award, I have been honoured to be invited to stage the ceremony at the Embassy. What is your opinion on the opportunities for Russian female entrepreneurs starting a business in Cyprus?
I believe the business opportunities for our women are equal to others, as the Republic of Cyprus respects European and international laws and values. In my opinion, a successful business start for a female entrepreneur in Cyprus is primarily a matter of personal motivation and professionalism.

You experience a busy schedule. Do you get time to travel the island separately from business meetings?
Cyprus is a beautiful island. For me, it is difficult to draw the distinction between business travel and personal trips. Nonetheless, it is always a great pleasure to visit numerous places here, be it Troodos Mountains or the beautiful coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ayios Prokopios & Arch. Makarios III Str. Corner 2406 Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
P.O.Box 21845, 1514 Nicosia, Cyprus; (357) 22-774622, 22-772141, 22-772142.
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