Press Releases

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish, at the outset, to warmly welcome you all.

Having just received the Letters of Credence, appointing you as new Ambassadors and High Commissioners of your countries to the Republic of Cyprus, I would like to assure you that the Government of Cyprus will provide you with every assistance deemed necessary in the fulfilment of your important mission. 

Cyprus ascribes great importance in further advancing our bilateral and multilateral cooperation and extending it in a vast array of new fields for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples. To this end, I am certain that with your valuable support, positive and concrete results will be achieved.

In the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, we underline the need to strengthen our cooperation and joint action with partner countries in order to address complex geopolitical challenges. We consider such an effort as a vital element of our foreign policy and part of our broader aim for the settlement of disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

Our firm commitment to democratic principles, multilateralism and the respect for every country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, are the pillars upon which we are building our mutual engagement and trust.

Excellencies,

I am now turning for a little to the Cyprus issue.  

You are aware of the protracted stalemate, despite our efforts, despite my efforts to help kick-start the negotiating process, including, amongst others, the proposals for “game-changing” Confidence Building Measures.

You might also be aware or cognizant of the reactions by Turkey and Mr. Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, advocating the “two-state solution” or recognition of sovereign equality.

You are familiar with the intensified efforts, unfortunately, by Turkey to upgrade the status of its subordinate entity in occupied Cyprus.

For instance, by including it as an observer at the recent meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States.

I must point out that, to its credit, the European Commission immediately rejected the Turkish move that manifestly violates UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter, while also severely damaging the efforts to create an environment conducive to resuming settlement talks.

Besides, there is no doubt in my mind that, in spite of the current difficulties and provocations or aggression acts by Turkey, a comprehensive and viable diplomatic solution, based always on a federation, a bizonal, bicommunal federation with the features as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, can still be within reach.

Let me quickly remind you that on 17November, I held a constructive meeting with the UN Assistant General-Secretary, Miroslav Jenca. 

I was satisfied to hear Mr. Jenca underlining the UN Secretary General’s - and I quote - “commitment to stay engaged in the process of searching for common ground and finding understanding to move forward the issue of the settlement”.

That is why, we insist for the UN Secretary-General to appoint a new envoy for Cyprus. 

The appointment of such an envoy could even now - despite the divergent positions - lead to consultations and deliberations with the parties and provide critical support for the resumption of negotiations.

At the same time, we know that Ankara has expectations for regional gas to reach Europe through Turkey, particularly in the midst of the fast-changing geopolitical context, which also affects the dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

What I would like to say is that, by solving the Cyprus Question, a lot of existing problems affecting Turkey as well will be lifted, will be normalized, and so we can bring stability and peace in the whole region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cyprus and Slovenia traditionally enjoy excellent bilateral relations with effective collaboration as partners in the EU and other multilateral fora. Political dialogue lies at the heart of our relationship, while efforts to further enhance our economic, scientific, cultural and educational cooperation are both welcomed and vastly supported.

Ambassador Pozar, our close cooperation - within the EU, as well as our MED-9 group, following Slovenia’s membership which we strongly supported - empower us to jointly address common challenges and pursue policies for the benefit of Europe and our citizens.

Despite the geographical distance, and I am talking now about Norway, that separates our two countries, Cyprus and Norway have established an enduring dialogue and a cooperative relationship on multiple levels, based on the shared values of peace, justice, freedom and democracy.

Ambassador Jakhelln, Cyprus’ accession to the European Union and Norway’s participation in the European Economic Area provide a solid foundation upon which we can further promote our cooperation in new areas, Merchant Shipping, Energy and Tourism, to name a few.

Following the establishment of our diplomatic relations back in 2000, Cyprus and Cambodia enjoy sound relations based on mutual respect and understanding.

Within this framework, Ambassador Chun, we stand ready to strengthen our ties in a number of important fields, such as Tourism, Education, Maritime, Health, Investments and Trade, but most importantly, people-to-people contacts. Also, in view of our upcoming Summit next week, in Brussels, Cyprus remains a staunch supporter of the further deepening of the EU-ASEAN cooperation.

Coming to our neighbour, Cyprus and Bahrain share deep-rooted bonds of friendship and an excellent cooperation, as witnessed during my successful official visit - accompanied by five Ministers - to the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2021, in which two important bilateral agreements were signed, as well as my recent meeting with his Royal Highness, the Crown Prince in Sharm El-Sheikh this past November.

I am also particularly pleased, Ambassador Al-Jalahma, of our decision to open an Embassy in Bahrain this coming year, which was unfortunately delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Guided by our shared adherence to effective multilateralism, and especially following our membership to the European Union in 2004, Cyprus and Lithuania enjoy cordial relations which - I am glad to attest Ambassador Skerstonaite - are growing steadily.

In this respect, we look forward to forge even closer economic ties with Lithuania, and to explore the potential for a mutually beneficial cooperation in the important field of Research and Innovation.

My Government, Ambassador Gitto, is keen to establish a prolific cooperation with Uruguay in the fields of Education, as well as Renewable Energy Resources in which your country is a paradigm example. Rest also assured that Cyprus, in spite the size of the country, in its capacity as an EU Member State, is in full support of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement that will facilitate and enhance trade between our regions further.

Uruguay is a country with strong commitment to the advancement of global peace and security and, to this end, its presence in many United Nations peacekeeping forces is notable and much appreciated.

That said, Major-General Hebert Figoli has been a Commander of UNFICYP, along with personnel from Uruguay in Sector 1. For that valuable contribution, Cyprus will always be grateful.

The establishment of diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of Laos, twenty-two years ago, marked a growing trend in the will of both countries to develop a mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

Since then, Cyprus and Laos have developed friendly relations, despite the considerable geographical distance between us, increasing their collaboration, both on a bilateral and a multilateral level. Let me reiterate, yet again, our readiness to strengthen the EU-ASEAN political dialogue and cooperation. This will be our aim in Brussels, next week, on the 14^th of December. 

Our bilateral relations with the Republic of Korea is progressively growing stronger with a mutual desire to further elevate it in the years ahead, expanding our ventures in areas like Tourism, Education, Maritime, Investments and Trade.

Cyprus and Korea, Ambassador Lee, are two countries that share a strong friendship, founded on a common adherence to democratic values, norms and principles.

In that regard, allow me to take this opportunity to underline your country’s pivotal role and growing significance, both at regional and international level, contributing to wider efforts for achieving peace and stability.

As I look back to the 30^th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations last year, I am very pleased to note, Ambassador Briede, that Cyprus and Latvia have - over these three decades - managed to build a dynamic and multifaceted relationship, based on mutual respect and adherence to our common principles and values, both at the bilateral level as well as in the EU framework, following our joint membership in 2004.

Last but certainly not least, High Commissioner Asselin, Cyprus and Canada are bound by close ties of friendship and also enjoy a long history of working together to counter threats to peace and security. Both our countries belong to the Commonwealth, we have a huge diaspora living in Canada, we have a common history, common civilization, I might say.

Our effective cooperation with Canada at the international level is mostly evident by our work together within our Commonwealth family, the OSCE, the United Nations, as well as the Francophonie, amongst many others.

Taking this opportunity, I would also like to express my gratitude for Canada’s valued participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, and to pay tribute to all the Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Cyprus and those who have served with utmost responsibility.

Excellencies,

In welcoming you once again, I sincerely wish you every success in the performance of your high duties, aimed at achieving greater mutual understanding and providing new impetus to the development of the relations between our countries. 

Thank you very much for your attention.

(ΕP/IK)