Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, on the occasion of the presentation of credentials by the new Ambassadors and High Commissioners
It is a great pleasure and a privilege to welcome all of you at the Presidential Palace today, to receive the Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassadors and High Commissioners of your countries to the Republic of Cyprus.
First and foremost, I wish to congratulate you and to wish you every success during your official mission in Cyprus. Both myself and my government will provide you with all the necessary assistance and support in the performance of your high duties and in pursuit of shared goals; to foster the relations and to further strengthen the cooperation between our countries, both at the bilateral and the multilateral level, for the mutual benefit of our people.
Excellencies,
As you very well know, Cyprus holds a truly unique position on the map; lying at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, at the easternmost corner of the Mediterranean and, in the middle of highly busy and vital maritime and air routes. For centuries, this key geostrategic location has been both a challenge and a blessing as Cyprus has been faced with numerous opportunities and a multitude of complex challenges throughout its long and rich history.
I should also underline that since 2004, the Republic of Cyprus is a proud member of the European Union (EU). And I am particularly pleased that you are assuming duties at such a significant and historic moment for my country, as this year we celebrate the culmination of a long-lasting strategic goal and effort: the 20th anniversary since our accession to the EU.
As I mentioned many times, this historic milestone has been Cyprus’ greatest political and diplomatic achievement since our independence back in 1960. At this moment in history, Cyprus became an equal, full and integral member of the EU and part of the historic fifth and largest enlargement of the European family heretofore. We proudly joined a union that prevailed over its historic divisions and delivered stability, prosperity and growth, fulfilling the aspirations of millions of people.
Cyprus is also a country with a remarkable geopolitical footprint compared to its size. Through certain initiatives and a long-term policy to promote regional peace and stability, Cyprus has prioritised to capitalise on its strategic position, rendering itself a trustworthy and reliable partner for all our partners in the region and beyond. Today, Cyprus is a sound paradigm for multilateral partnerships and multifaceted diplomatic engagement.
It is in this context that we have established geostrategic mechanisms with like-minded countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, the broader Middle East and the Gulf, as well as with primary actors who have substantial interests in this particular corner of the world. This is the path that my Government will continue to persist in and build upon; the path of tangible and constructive collaborations in full compliance with the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.
I am also very pleased that your official tenure in Cyprus will coincide with our membership, for the first time in history, to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) for the period 2025-2027. I take this opportunity to reiterate that Cyprus’ term in the HRC will be one that mirrors the very solid and collective values of our respective societies: democracy, rule of law, as well as the moral duty to stand up for human dignity and fundamental rights.
Excellencies,
Allow me some brief thoughts regarding the relations between the Republic of Cyprus and your respective countries.
For us, Ghana is a natural partner for Cyprus. A paradigm of stability, progress and democratisation in West Africa. The orderly and peaceful manner that the recent general elections were conducted is a clear example of Ghana’s commitment to rule of law. I am convinced that there is huge potential to expand our bilateral ties as the groundwork has already been laid by our predecessors.
Cyprus and Guatemala share cordial relations based on shared values and principles. Both myself and my government look forward to enhance these friendly relations as well as to expand our collaboration at the bilateral level, particularly by concluding relevant agreements and MoU’s, as well as at the various international fora.
Cyprus and Guinea-Bissau may not be geographically close, but the list of commonalities is quite long; from respective anti-colonialist movements to independence and our staunch commitment to preserving the sovereign equality of states and international law. These shared experiences are a solid foundation for translating our cordial relations into tangible cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime security and agriculture.
We are determined that there is a considerable room for enhancing our relations with South Africa. The Cypriot diaspora in South Africa has been an indispensable pillar in the strengthening of this enduring relationship, contributing to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the South African society. I am confident that the contribution of the Cypriot diaspora, along with our shared interests, will pave the way for increased cooperation.
Malawi stands as a beacon of resilience and determination. It has performed impressive strides in building a strong and cohesive nation since gaining independence. I look forward to working towards fostering our relations both bilaterally and multilaterally, allowing us to unlock the full potential for a more active and close engagement.
As this year marks the 52nd anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Cyprus, I express the readiness of my government to expand our ties, especially within the Commonwealth framework and the UN. I believe that working together on addressing common challenges, such as climate change, while bringing to the foreground issues of mutual interest, can benefit both our two countries and people.
Cyprus and Bangladesh enjoy very friendly relations. We stand ready to further develop these ties on issues of mutual interest as well as to tackle common challenges that affect our regions and the world. Bangladesh’s contribution to UNFICYP’s police component is a clear demonstration of your country’s faith in the principles of the UN Charter, and a commitment to the maintenance of peace in Cyprus.
Cyprus and San Marino share long, historical ties that can pave the way for even closer and fruitful cooperation. In light of Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, I assure you of our dedication to advance the EU-San Marino relations as well as our bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
Cyprus and Algeria are integral parts of the same neighborhood across the Mediterranean shores. We wish to continue working towards expanding our synergies in many areas, such as trade and energy. In pursuing our shared objectives through the EU-Algeria partnership and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), we welcome the appointment of the Commissioner for the Mediterranean which further advances our long-established vision.
Cyprus and Thailand are geographically distant, but enjoy a highly valued traditional friendship. We are ready to promote our relations and we look forward to a close cooperation during our joint membership to the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027.
Cyprus and Uzbekistan have formed a solid bond over the last years, anchored in common understanding and respect for international law. Cyprus attaches great importance to both the advancement of our bilateral relations as well as to the strengthening of the EU-Uzbekistan framework of cooperation.
Cyprus and Kenya have forged enduring bonds of friendship since our independence, united by the shared quest for self-determination. I am certain that the recent re-opening of Cyprus’ High Commission in Nairobi constitutes a sound testament to our commitment towards furthering and intensifying our relations.
Cyprus and Chile share strong and cordial bonds of friendship. We are grateful for Chile’s long participation in UNFICYP as well as to the military personnel currently serving in the mission. As we celebrate 62 years of diplomatic relations, we wish to see these bonds and cooperation growing stronger.
Cyprus and Peru share traditional friendly bonds. I am confident that these relations can flourish in the years to come and we are thus ready to explore new avenues of cooperation. I also wish to reiterate Cyprus’s profound appreciation for Peru’s invaluable contribution to UNFICYP over the years.
Despite the geographic distance that sets us apart, the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Korea share the same commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law and international legality. Over the years, our bilateral relations have been steadily developing and I am certain that there is untapped potential of cooperation in various fields, such as energy, trade and education. I would also like to express our appreciation for your support, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, in our efforts to achieve a viable and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem in accordance with the relevant UNSCRs.
Excellencies,
Before concluding, I would like to express, on behalf of the people of Cyprus and my government, our profound gratitude for the principled position of your countries regarding the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Finding a viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem remains the utmost priority of my Presidency and of Cyprus’ foreign policy. And I am fully committed to pursuing a comprehensive settlement, in line with all relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. My goal is no other than ending the half-a-century-long Turkish military occupation and reunifying my country and its people; making Cyprus a place that offer equal prospects of prosperity to all its legal inhabitants; delivering to the future generations a functional, normal state, without occupying troops and external dependencies.
I, of course, acknowledge the challenges ahead. Turkey insists on its deviating narrative, to its irrational demands for a “two-states” solution, to the increased and intensified militarisation of the occupied areas, to the mass illegal sale of properties, to the constant violations in the buffer zone. But there is not, and never will be, any other alternative to a settlement than a reunified Cyprus based on the agreed framework set by the UN.
And in this huge endeavour, we count on the support of the international community, on your support, Your Excellencies, and that of your countries, to reach a peaceful settlement in Cyprus that will constitute a clear and much needed message throughout our region, a message that peace and stability can and will prevail.
Dear Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
In closing, I wish to once more congratulate you on your appointment and to express our readiness to work towards solidifying our cooperation. I convey my best wishes for a fruitful and successful tenure.
Thank you very much, and once again welcome to Cyprus.