Prime Minister Antonis Samaras communicated by telephone with newly-elected President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and congratulated him on his election. Anastasiades secured 57.5% of the vote in yesterday's run-off against Stavros Malas, who collected 42.52%. Moreover, Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, who begins today a three-day official visit to Canada, also communicated with Anastasiades, congratulating him and reconfirming Greece's position for close cooperation in the effort to defend issues concerning Hellenism.

The Foreign minister stressed that Greece will continue to stand by Cyprus in its struggle for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue and the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops.