Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received the credentials of the Ambassador of Iraq, stationed in Athens, Mr Shorsh Khalid Said, during a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 6 February 2020.

Presenting his credentials, Mr Shorsh Khalid Said, speaking in English, said:

“I have the honor to present the Credentials accrediting me Ambassador Non Resident of the Republic of Iraq to the Republic of Cyprus.

I would like to assure Your Excellency, that my full efforts will be devoted in developing the relationships between our two countries on all aspects of diplomatic, political, as well as economic and cultural field in order to achieve prosperity and progress based on the historical ties and in consideration of international law, legitimacy and mutual respect.

The existing relations between our two countries are, indeed, long and solid. To this respect, I have the honor to express our appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of the Republic of Cyprus for their support to the Republic of Iraq in the combat against ISIS and furthermore, our thankfulness extends to the government of the Republic of Cyprus for the hospitality offered to a number of Iraqi refugees fleeing from terrorism.

In the course of reconstruction of the areas and cities affected by terror crimes, significant opportunities are presented, mainly in the infrastructure and energy sectors, where the qualified Cypriot companies could contribute.

Those companies will receive our assistance and support and we will work together with all related Cypriot bodies, through the official channels, to raise the commercial balance between our countries.

We rely on Your Excellency's support to facilitate our mission which aims to serve the interests of both our friendly countries.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest respect and consideration”.

Receiving the credentials, the President said:

“Your Excellency,

It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I receive today your Letters of Credence, appointing you as the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as receiving the Letters of Recall of your predecessor. I want to assure you that my Government and the people of Cyprus will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties, aiming at building upon the excellent bilateral relations that have been developed between our two countries.

Both Cyprus and Iraq are proud bearers of ancient civilizations, which have left an indelible mark in global evolution. Our peoples have experienced the vicissitudes of history and are aware that turbulent times, such as the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider Middle East, require prudent actions. Cooperation among moderate actors and adherence to international law constitute the most solid foundations for regional stability and security.

Cyprus, as the closest EU member state to the Middle East, has been a tireless advocate for increased cooperation between the European Union and our neighbours in the Middle East, in order to tackle common challenges more effectively. We are pleased to see an enhanced commitment, both by the EU and by the Iraqi authorities, to deepening our partnership through the swift and thorough implementation of the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Being an initial member of the Global Coalition against Da’ esh, Cyprus has stood by Iraq in its courageous struggle against terrorism and violent extremism. Thanks to the Iraqi people’s valiant efforts exacting a very heavy human toll, control of Iraqi territory has in its totality been wrested from Da’ esh, though the terrorist danger still remains. International cooperation is key in supporting Iraq’s efforts to stabilize conditions and for reconstruction. It is also imperative that the international community contribute in shielding Iraq from regional conflicts.

As regards the economy, following the severe economic crisis of 2013, Cyprus has achieved a return to positive growth rates since 2015. For 2019, the growth rate is estimated at 3.2%, while medium-term macroeconomic forecasts project a robust growth of around 3% in the years to come. Public finances have been set - and they continue to be - on a sustainable management path. In particular, for 2019 the budget surplus is expected to be at 3.8% as a percentage of GDP. The labour market is continuing to record steady progress, with an estimation of 7% unemployment for 2019, compared with 8.4% the previous year. The percentage decline in unemployment is among the largest in the EU and it is projected that by 2020 we will return to full employment conditions.

The banking system, re-focusing its operations and fully adhering to the strictest international transparency and compliance regulations, is now based on a stronger and healthier base in terms of capitalization, liquidity and profitability. Remarkable progress has also been achieved with respect to non-performing loans. The positive outlook of the Cypriot economy, as well as effective actions in the banking sector, have strengthened the confidence of investors and of International Credit Rating Agencies, reflected through a number of successive upgrades, currently classifying Cyprus at the investment grade.

Our commitment as a Government is to remain focused on maintaining and broadening the conditions under which surpluses and high growth rates can be generated, to continue promoting structural reforms and improving the country’s business environment.

Your Excellency,

I am aware of your particular interest as regards the latest developments on the Cyprus Problem and the prospect of resuming the negotiating process. Following the renewed active involvement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a tripartite meeting was convened last November in Berlin between Mr. Guterres, the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Akinci and myself. It was a productive meeting which our side considers as a positive step in our efforts to conclude the “Terms of Reference” and resume the peace process in the framework of the Good Offices Mission of the UN Secretary-General.

Such a development would allow us to hold an informal Conference on Cyprus in the format of the previous ones, which would give the opportunity to all stakeholders to discuss the modalities that should guide the possible resumption of meaningful and well-prepared negotiations.

Taking this opportunity, I wish to express my personal appreciation, as well as that of my Government and the people of the Republic of Cyprus, for the Republic of Iraq’s support and contribution towards our efforts to reach a viable and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Regrettably, Turkey continues to act as a “spoiler” by, amongst others, turning to military threats, illegal drilling activities within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus, threats to open the fenced-off city of Ammochostos and signing an illegal Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea with Libya.

Actions which have been condemned in the strongest manner by the international community and the EU, since they do not comply with the notion of good neighbourly relations, international law and particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and infringe upon the sovereign rights of third States. Actions which, apart from escalating tensions in our already turbulent region, have also a huge negative effect on our efforts to resume the peace process and do not create the necessary conditions for all parties to engage in a results-oriented dialogue.

We do hope that Turkey will finally adopt a more realistic and constructive approach by refraining from actions which do not create the necessary conditions of establishing an environment conducive to having productive negotiations on an equal footing. We also hope that Turkish stakeholders will finally acknowledge the overwhelming benefit of becoming part of our regional cooperation agenda and of positively working towards a viable solution to the Cyprus problem which would reunify Cyprus and its people and enhance regional stability.

Despite the challenges we face, I wish to assure you that I remain strongly committed in engaging in a new round of negotiations, once conditions permit it, with the aim to reach a lasting, viable and comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue, in line with the European acquis, international law and the relevant UN Resolutions. A settlement that will safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, ensuring the peaceful and prosperous co-existence of all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish, without any third country dependencies, military troops and guarantees.

Excellency,

In welcoming you to Cyprus, please convey to His Excellency Dr. Barham Salih, President of the Republic of Iraq, as well as to the Government and the friendly people of Iraq, my warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity. I conclude by assuring you, once more, of the support of my Government to your valuable mission, so that your tenure will be both constructive and fruitful, and carried out in such a way that the sound relationship that Cyprus enjoys with Iraq will further flourish.

Ambassador Shorsh Khalid Said, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus”.

EH/SCH