ANKARA, August 6 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will try to strengthen economic ties with both the Greek and the Turkish areas of Cyprus, which should help resolve the division of the island, Russia's prime minister said on Thursday.
"We will make efforts to maintain relations with both parts of Cyprus and develop economic relations, including with the Turkish part," Vladimir Putin said after bilateral talks with his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Erdogan.
Putin described the policy as "an appropriate step leading to a settlement" of the conflict, and one that he said was in tune with similar efforts on the part of the international community and the United Nations.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island that was backed by Athens. The Turkish Cypriot state is recognized only by Turkey.
At a meeting on Thursday with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat said the issues of governance and executive power should be priorities at the second round of reunification talks slated for September 3, 2009.
Both have been engaged in UN-led direct reunification talks since September 2008.
