The UK “looks forward” to participating in due course in the broader format meeting on the Cyprus issue, said the country’s new High Commissioner to Cyprus, Michael H. Tatham, who presented on Friday his credentials to President, Nikos Christodoulides.
President Christodoulides, expressed his “unwavering dedication” to a comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN Security Council Resolutions and in line with EU law and principles, during the ceremonies for the presentation of the credentials of the new British High Commissioner and of the Ambassadors of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The government of the Republic of Cyprus, along with the international community, unequivocally condemns the Turkish side’s irrational position for a “two-states” solution, he said.
He also assured them of the government’s support in the execution of their new duties.
The ties between Cyprus and the UK are rooted deeply in history, the President said at the presentation of the credentials of the new High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, Michael H. Tatham. “Over the decades, we have shaped our bilateral partnership into one of mutual benefit and common respect”, he said, noting the importance of this partnership today “in the midst of unprecedented regional and global challenges”.
He said he was glad for the opportunity to meet with the British Prime Minister last month “as well as for the very positive and constructive dialogue we had”.
“We are filled with great satisfaction bearing the fruits of our work in various sectors such as education, tourism, culture, defence. We also look forward to the future achievements and I am certain that the next Strategic Dialogue in London will be productive and fruitful towards this goal”, he said.
On his part, Tatham said that the two countries have many shared interests and face many shared challenges. He also said that the United Kingdom “greatly appreciates the creative and constructive role that Cyprus, and you personally, have played in regional diplomacy.”
He also said that this year’s fiftieth anniversary of the division of Cyprus “underlines the fact that a settlement is long overdue”, adding that the continuing division of the island inhibits the country from realising its full economic and human potential.
The British government is firmly committed to the UN-led process to seek a lasting and fair solution to the Cyprus issue that will end the tragic division of the island. The British Government, he said, “welcomes your meeting last month with the UN Secretary-General and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community” and “looks forward to participating in due course in the broader format meeting that is envisaged as follow-up”.
Receiving the credentials of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Fawaz Abdulrahman Hamad Alshubail, President Christodoulides emphasised that enhancing relations with Saudi Arabia, as well as with the wider Gulf region, was “a strategic priority” for his government “and a core pillar of our foreign policy”. I
He also noted that the rapidly converging interests of the two countries, shaped by the evolving dynamics of the region, highlight the importance of a strong and collaborative partnership. “By working together, we can contribute to regional stability, foster economic growth, and advance our shared vision for a prosperous future”, the President said. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its longstanding and principled stance on the Cyprus issue.
The Saudi Ambassador noted the establishment and operation of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Riyadh in 2015, and the opening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Nicosia in 2018, and said that during the past few years, bilateral relations were rapidly developed and bilateral agreements were signed, “which reflect the two governments’ commitment to strengthen their cooperation in various fields.” He also said that the exchanged visits between the officials of the two nations and their fruitful meetings significantly contributed to it.
Receiving the Letters of Credence, of the new Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Cyprus, Mohammed Swawky Zaazou, President Christodoulides said the two countries share the same strategic commitment to stability and peace, but also face “unprecedented regional as well as global challenges that require close cooperation and coordination”.
At the European level, he added, “Cyprus has consistently championed Egypt’s role as one of the most crucial partners for the EU, particularly in addressing key issues such as migration, counter-terrorism and regional stability”. He assured Ambassador Zaazou, that Cyprus is and will remain “the firmest and staunchest supporter of Egypt in Brussels, calling for deeper and constructive engagement”.
The Egyptian Ambassador noted that the commencement of his mission “coincides with the preparations for the convening of the tenth trilateral summit of cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece in Cairo soon, as well as the bilateral Government-to-Government summit”.
“In that respect, it is particularly important to utilize the momentum emanating from these positive developments to further enhance our economic and trade relations, which I believe have not reached their full potential yet” he said, adding that the business environment in both countries present unique opportunities that both sides should exploit. He also referred to energy security, noting that it has become a prominent topic of mutual interest “that inspires us toward further collaboration and joint cooperative endeavours”.
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.
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Source: CNA/EAN/MK
