MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, leader of the Progressive Party of Working People of Cyprus (AKEL) Andros Kyprianou held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, as well as with Nazarov. The sides focused on the issue of lifting anti Russia-sanctions, as well as the two nations' bilateral relations.
"The two countries have mutual interest in several areas such as tourism, mutual investments in infrastructure and trade. Big Cypriot companies are interested in investing into Russia's retail companies. The meetings are expected to be held between well-known Russian retail corporations and foreign investors," Nazarov said following the meeting.
"We agreed that at the forum our businessmen will discuss not only political issues but also sign concrete deals and agreements," Nazarov said.
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and for Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.
Cyprus, part of the European Union, has repeatedly spoken against the sanctions, while Russia has reaffirmed commitment to friendly relations with Cyprus despite strained relations with the West.
