Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said on Monday that his country supports Russia in combating terrorism and calls for stepping up international cooperation to eliminate this threat.

"We commend Russia for its commitment to fighting international terrorism", Anastasiades told Russian Tass news agency.

The Agreement on Combating Terrorism between the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation, signed in February 2015, has undoubtedly marked a new era of cooperation and will contribute to the reinforcement of joint efforts for effectively addressing terrorist threats," Anastasiades noted.

Terrorism constitutes a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, and only joint actions of the international community can help solve this problem, Anastasiades added.

He pointed out that Cyprus is a firm advocate of the necessity for comprehensive and concerted global action to counter this threat. 

The Cypriot leader expounded that his country takes an active part in global efforts to eliminate international terrorism. 

He underlined the need to collectively address the issue of returnee terrorist foreign fighters.

The Cypriot president is scheduled to start his official visit to Russia on late Monday during which he is expected to meet with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, while his talks with President Vladimir Putin are due to be held on Tuesday.

Source: MENA