Press Releases

It is a distinct pleasure for me to join you today in order to celebrate together the National Day of Hungary, commemorating the anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, one of the key moments that stand out in twentieth century European history and one that is still studied extensively so many years later.

Today’s celebration is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the flourishing bilateral relationship between Cyprus and Hungary, which is founded on the solid institutional framework that we have jointly put in place over the years, as well as on vibrant people to people contacts in a number of areas, ranging from trade and investment to education, tourism and culture. Our accession to the European Union, together, in 2004, has naturally acted as a catalyst in this respect, offering a new, multi-faceted platform for the further development of our cooperation.

The opening of the Office of the Hungarian Embassy in Nicosia at the end of last year has given our dynamic ties an additional boost, and I wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm the determination of the Government of Cyprus to utilize this momentum, in order to take our cooperation to the next level, in a number of fields. The continued presence of the Cyprus Embassy in Budapest since 1992 is a testament to our commitment.

Dear friends,

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of Hungarian peacekeepers that have served in the Peacekeeping Mission of the United Nations in Cyprus since 1995, who could be considered in a way -despite the unfortunate circumstances that made their presence necessary- the first ambassadors of Hungary to the island. Their service to the people of Cyprus and to peace is deeply appreciated and, I should add, their presence, along with that of the other peacekeeping contingents that make up UNFICYP, remains indispensable while the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of the Cyprus continues.

Despite the difficulties and obstacles caused by the illegal activities and provocations of Turkey and its occupation regime, I wish to assure you that President Anastasiades remains fully committed to supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary General to create a conducive environment for the resumption of negotiations, from the point where they were suspended in Crans Montana, with the aim of reaching a settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, in line with International and EU Law. A settlement that will reunify Cyprus, ensuring it remains a fully functional and effective EU Member State.

For these efforts to succeed, we count -and we know we can rely- on the continued support of our partners and friends, such as Hungary, both within and outside the European Union. 

Dear Ambassador, Honorary Consul General,

I thank you warmly for this nice reception and I have the honour to convey, on behalf of the Government and the people of Cyprus, our warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of Hungary on the auspicious occasion of the National Day.

I ask you all to join me in raising your glass in celebration, wishing our Hungarians friends everywhere, peace, prosperity and success.

Note: The address was delivered by the Minister of Health, Mr Constantinos Ioannou, on behalf of the President of the Republic.

(MKY)