President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, honoured eight members of the Cypriot diaspora at a reception held at the Presidential Palace, reaffirming his determination to continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of the island.
“Tonight, we bestow the highest honour upon eight exceptional compatriots who have distinguished themselves, among other things, for their virtuous character, dedication, and timeless contribution to progress and the common good,” the President said.
Addressing the expatriates who are in Cyprus in the framework of the meeting of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) as well as the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) from 26-29 August, President Christodoulides noted that the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation “have marked the lives of all of us,” while many were forced to leave their homeland.
“I know very well that the sight of our homeland, divided and under Turkish occupation for 51 years, continues to cause you, as it does all of us, deep pain and sorrow”, he said.
He added that the Government, with prudence and determination, is navigating the difficult path with assertive realism to achieve the long-awaited liberation, fulfilling its duty of historical responsibility.
“That is why, today, looking into your eyes, I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to achieve the goal of liberation and reunification”, he said.
The President of the Republic emphasised that over the past two and a half years, it has become possible to activate the international factor and the UN Secretary-General for a new effort, with the active involvement of the EU. He added that the Republic of Cyprus is an EU member state and will continue to be so even after a potential solution to the Cyprus issue.
Cypriot citizens, he stressed, are European citizens and have the same rights as all other European citizens.
He also expressed hope that “in this chaotic international system, conditions will be created that will allow the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue”.
The members of the diaspora who were honoured are Andreas Kyprianidis and Nikos Tziazas by the Federation of Cypriot American Organisations, Athina Charalambidi by the Cypriot Federation of Canada, Andreas Savvas Dimitriou by the Cypriot Federation of South Africa, Nestoras P. Nestoros, Cyprus Federation of Rest of Africa, Giorgos Giakoumi and Kyriakos Akathiotis by the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom.
The late Christina Charalambous, from the Adelaide and South Australia community, was also honoured. The medal was received on behalf of the family by Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cypriot Community of South Australia, who delivered a message given by the sister of the deceased, Eleni Charalambous.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
A second informal meeting on Cyprus in broader format was held in New York, on July 16-17, 2025. Another meeting is anticipated later this year, to follow up on initiatives, agreed by the parties, which the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said they demonstrate a commitment to continuing a dialogue on the way forward. Guterres also announced that he would meet jointly with Cyprus leaders during the General Assembly high-level week, in September.
