We count on your support for Cyprus issue, President says while receiving new Ambassadors credentials
We count on the support of the international community and of your countries to achieve a peaceful settlement in Cyprus, based on the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and EU law and principles, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides stressed on Monday.
The President was speaking during the ceremony at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia, where he received the credentials of new Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
Specifically, he received the credentials of new Ambassadors of the Republic of Argentina, Axel Wahnish, of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Junimart Girsang, of Burkina Faso, Cyrille Ganou-Badolo, of the Republic of Burundi, Ernest Ndabashinze, of the Kingdom of Norway, Harriet E. Berg, of the Republic of Liberia, Teeko Tazay Yorlay, of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Chea Chanboribo, of the Republic of Panama, Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis, of the Dominican Republic, Olivio Adalberto Fermín Fermín, of the Republic of Ecuador, María Cristina Cevallos Calero, of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Paul Schmit, as well as the High Commissioners of the United Republic of Tanzania Alex Gabriel Kallua, of the People’s Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Satyajit Arjuna Rodrigo, and of Canada Sonya Juanita Thissen, based outside Cyprus.
In his speech, he expressed the sincere gratitude for the principled position of their countries regarding the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
“We, the Cypriots, are painfully familiar with the human cost of decades of military occupation and division – the anguish of missing persons, the hardships endured by enclaved communities and the ongoing violations of fundamental human rights. Yet, despite these challenges, our resolve remains unwavering; there is no alternative to a viable, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem – one that reunifies Cyprus and its people in a future where security, equality, opportunity and dignity are upheld for all its lawful inhabitants” he stressed.
He added that in this endeavour, we count on the support of the international community and of your countries to achieve a peaceful settlement in Cyprus, based on the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and EU law and principles – “one that will send a resounding message throughout the region; that peace and stability are not distant aspirations, but living realities, able to prevail over division and conflict.”
Referring to Argentina, he said that we pay special tribute to the Argentine soldiers who have served and sacrificed within the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, a lasting testament to Argentina’s dedication to peace, stability and solidarity.
Cyprus, he said, attaches great importance to deepening cooperation with Indonesia, both in areas of practical mutual interest and within the frameworks of EU–Indonesia and EU–ASEAN relations.
He noted that Nicosia is ready to explore ways to foster the friendly relations with Burkina Faso in areas such as education and people-to-people ties and collaboration in international fora.
Moreover, he expressed deep appreciation for Burundi’s consistent support for Cypriot candidatures across the United Nations system, “evidence of the cooperation between our countries.”
Referring to Norway, he said that recent opening of new opportunities for defence collaboration has elevated bilateral relations to a new level of ambition.
He recalled the recent visit of Foreign Minister of Cyprus to Tanzania saying that it marks a new chapter with the formalisation of bilateral relations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding.
Sri Lanka, he went on to say, holds particular importance for Cyprus adding that Nicosia deeply appreciates the positive contributions of the Sri Lankan community to Cypriot society.
Referring to Liberia, he said that Cyprus stands ready to explore new opportunities to enhance the bonds between the two countries in areas of common interest.
Cyprus, he said, welcomes the positive momentum in its bilateral relations with Cambodia and looks forward to developing practical cooperation through effective dialogue, mutual respect and shared adherence to international law.
Furthermore, he said that Cyprus values Panama’s constructive engagement on the Security Council and its continued support for a lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.
Cyprus stands ready to advance bilateral cooperation with Dominican Republic in areas of mutual interest, he said, while referring to Ecuador he noted that Nicosia values its support to the Cyprus issue as well as its contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force.
As regards Luxembourg, he said that we deeply value its support on the Cyprus problem and its vital contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons, while referring to Canada, he noted that on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties, we value Canada’s steadfast support on the Cyprus issue and its contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force.
Presenting his credentials, Ambassador of Argentina said that it contributes with commitment to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and said he was ready to deepen cooperation in commercial terms as well as in the fields of security, energy, education, and culture.
Ambassador of Indonesia said that the bilateral relationship holds immense untapped potential and said that he looks forward to strengthening the partnership between Indonesia and the European Union during Cyprus EU Presidency.
The Ambassador of Norway reaffirmed her government’s unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and said that there is untapped potential for increased trade, between the two countries, particularly in the maritime sector.
Ambassador of Cambodia said that his country encourages deeper cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and human resource development, while Panama Ambassador said that 2025–2026 is particularly significant for Panama as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. She also noted that Cyprus hosts one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, while Panama manages a leading ship registry and the Panama Canal, providing a strong foundation for joint initiatives.
Ambassador of Luxembourg said that for his country the search for a comprehensive and lasting solution in Cyprus must remain a priority on the international agenda, while referring to bilateral ties he said that there are promising opportunities in trade and investment, both in traditional sectors and in emerging areas such as green technologies and space.
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka referred to the vibrant SriLankan community that has been present in Cyprus for many years, adding that education and cultural exchange is an area of growth and interest with Sri Lankan students pursuing studies in Cyprus.
Finally, the High Commissioner of Canada said that for more than six decades, Canadians have stood alongside Cypriots through their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping efforts on the island and said that Canada values Cyprus not only as a trusted bilateral partner, but also as an increasingly influential regional and European actor.
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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
