NICOSIA: Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai said during talks with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias Friday that he looked forward to a bright and peaceful future for Cyprus. Rai affirmed his support for unity in Cyprus, saying: “We look forward to achieving peace and unity on the island so that its people’s suffering can end and they can live comfortably.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, which is predominantly Greek, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey. Negotiations between the two sides aim at reuniting the island.

Rai, who is on an official visit to the country, thanked Cyprus for hosting the Maronite community, which traces its presence on the island to the 9th century, and other Lebanese who have taken refuge there. This is Rai’s first visit to the island nation since his appointment as patriarch last year.

“I met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in October and spoke about the island’s unity and the four villages whose inhabitants were forced to emigrate,” Rai said, in a reference to the four traditionally Maronite villages in the Turkish-occupied north whose inhabitants fled their homes after the 1974 invasion and now live in the predominantly Greek portion of the island.

Today, most Maronites in Cyprus live in the capital Nicosia, as well as in Limassol and Larnaca.

In recent decades, Cyprus has also become home to Lebanese of various sects who have relocated there. This was especially true during Lebanon’s Civil War when many Lebanese moved to the relatively tranquil island nation, which is now a member of the EU.

Later Friday, Rai met with Archbishop Chrystosmos II at the Cypriot Archbishopric in Nicosia to discuss the presence of Christians in the East and the means to maintain this presence.

After their meeting, Chrystosmos II praised the strong relations between the Maronite and Orthodox churches.

“The cooperation is significant, especially in times when part of Cypriot land remains under occupation,” said Chrystosmos.

Rai in turn thanked Chrystosmos and voiced his support for stronger relations with the Orthodox Church. “What makes Maronites special are their good relations with both Cypriot political and spiritual leaders,” said Rai.

Christofias also hosted a banquet Friday night in Rai’s honor.

The patriarch will spend Saturday touring the four Maronite villages in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus and some of the remaining members of the Maronite community there will join him in a church mass.

On Sunday, Rai will hold an official mass at the Maronite Church to celebrate Mar Maroun Day.

Before departing Lebanon, Rai spoke with reporters at Rafik Hariri International Airport, mentioning the 1,200-year presence of Maronites in Cyprus and explaining the purpose of his visit. “The Cyprus visit is a spiritual and pastoral one, and aims to check on Maronites and their situation in both the Greek and Turkish areas,” he said.