Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received the credentials of the new Ambassador of Portugal, Ms Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira, during a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 31 March 2022.

Presenting her credentials, Ms Sequeira, speaking in English, said:

“Your Excellency

It is a great honor for me to assume the position of Ambassador of Portugal in Cyprus. Despite being geographically located on opposite extremes of our continent, Portugal and Cyprus are connected by our common vision for the future of the European Union, the most important challenges we need to face at European level, and in our wish to strengthen our bilateral relations.

As member countries of the European Union, both our nations contribute to its richness and diversity. Portugal, as a bridge and pillar of the transatlantic and world-wide vision of Europe; Cyprus, at the crossroads of Europe, Middle East and Africa, as a meeting point for many of the world's great civilizations.

Our countries’ attachment to the sea, the desire to reach out beyond our geographical borders, and the strength of an identity that goes beyond the physical borders of the Nation and finds expression in communities of emigrants in other continents – these are all compelling synergies worth exploring as we strive to strengthen our bilateral relations on an  institutional level and encourage more people-to-people exchanges for a deeper understanding of our respective cultures, languages and societies.

Representing Portugal in Cyprus is both an honor and a responsibility. You can be assured that my energy and commitment will be channelled into ensuring that the collaboration between our countries will continue to expand. I will do my utmost best to identify new opportunities for closer cooperation to make the relationship between Portugal and Cyprus more fruitful across a whole range of areas, both in traditional sectors, and in more technological and scientific areas such as digital technology, renewable energies and maritime science.

I am equally certain that our two countries will continue to strive for everything that unite us in the international context, above all the promotion of multilateralism, respect for human rights, dialogue and cooperation.

Portugal supports a viable, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem through peace talks held under the auspices of the United Nations as part of the UN Secretary-General’s good offices mission and as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We believe in the common goal of an independent, united Cyprus with sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the laws and principles of the European Union. A secure, stable and prosperous Cyprus will undoubtedly benefit all Cypriots, as well as Europe and the entire eastern Mediterranean.

Portugal and Cyprus share a special relationship with the sea. We encourage a strong participation of Cyprus in the 2022 United Nations Ocean Conference co-hosted by the Governments of Portugal and Kenya and seeking to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action.

In conclusion, Mr President, allow me to affirm my commitment to deepening the bilateral ties that unite our two countries in all their dimensions and to convey the warm wishes of friendship, cooperation and prosperity of the President of the Portuguese Republic to you and to the people of Cyprus”.

Receiving the credentials, the President said:

“It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I receive today your Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Cyprus. Please accept my sincere congratulations for your appointment and my best wishes for every success in your important work. I would also like to assure you that my Government, and I personally, will provide you with every possible assistance in the performance of your high duties.

In this respect, I look forward to working with you in order to build upon the excellent and friendly bilateral relations that exist between our two countries and expand even further our collaboration in a wide array of fields.

As southern partners, Cyprus and Portugal continue to work closely together in order to promote shared interests and address common challenges within the framework of the European Union.

During these worrisome times with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we stand by Ukraine, conveying our strong support and respect to its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. What is of utmost importance at this point is to secure, through diplomacy and dialogue, the immediate ceasefire to stop the tragic loss of innocent lives.

Cyprus and its people have their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, following the illegal Turkish military invasion and occupation since 1974, and until today our country still suffers from its devastating effects. 

Having said that, I would like to express my deep appreciation for Portugal’s principled stance on the Cyprus issue and your country’s consistent support on our efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement, based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, with political equality as defined in UN resolutions.     

Portugal’s support is greatly valued and appreciated by Cyprus, and one that we continue to count on, especially in light of Turkey’s declared position for a “two-state” solution and its overall aggressive behaviour towards our country, in blatant disregard of international law.

As you know very well, Excellency, Turkey continues unabated with its illegal plans in the fenced area of Varosha, in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation by the international community and its repeated calls for the immediate reversal of this course of action.

In spite of Turkey’s continued provocations, our side remains focused in creating conducive conditions for the resumption of the negotiating process the soonest possible. To this end, I have put forward a proposal consisting of win-win and far-reaching Confidence Building Measures to end the ongoing impasse and pave the way for peace talks to resume. Within this context, I am confident that this set of CBMs can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst for the effort to reach a lasting solution of the Cyprus problem.

What I want to assure you, Ambassador, is of my strong commitment and determination to engage once again in results-oriented negotiations for a settlement on the Cyprus issue that will address the legitimate concerns and safeguard the rights of both sides.

In concluding, I would kindly request that you convey to His Excellency President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the friendly people of Portugal, my warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship. I wish to assure you once again of my Government’s full support in the discharge of your important duties.

Ambassador Dias Stelzer Sequeira, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus and I wish you a fruitful and successful tenure”.

(EK/IK)