Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received the credentials of the new Ambassador of Estonia, Ms Karin Rannu, during a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 31 March 2022.

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

“Your Excellency, Mr President,

I have the honour to present you the Credentials accrediting the Ambassador of Estonia to the Republic of Cyprus. The Credentials are handed over with a message of sincere friendship and high esteem from H.E. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Estonia and Cyprus. The underlying, uniting factor in our relations is that our two small countries share the values and freedoms of Europe and a similar understanding of an open and democratic society.

At the moment, these very principles are being brutally attacked in Europe by Russia waging an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. Russia’s illegal military actions are grossly violating international law, the principles of the UN Charter and undermining European and global security and stability. As democratic countries we have responded swiftly, resolutely and strongly with the aim of stopping the aggression, maintaining the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and helping those in need. This comes with a cost but we have to protect the principles we share and cherish. As partners in the European Union, acting collectively and supporting each other we can overcome the consequences together.

The bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Estonia has been excellent over the years which is characterized by regular official visits, increased number of tourists from Estonia to Cyprus as well as by cooperation in digital issues. Energy security and green transition of maritime and shipping sectors are other areas of common interest.

Estonia hopes that the negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem will resume soon with a view of achieving a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement within the UN framework in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

I am glad to acknowledge the fact that several high-level contacts between our countries have taken place lately and will continue in the near future.

Your Excellency, I shall be working for the strengthening of the ties between our countries and people, for the bilateral cooperation and solidarity between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Cyprus in European and international context”

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 Republic of Estonia to the Republic of Cyprus. Please accept my sincere congratulations for your appointment and my best wishes for every success in your important duties.

Cyprus and Estonia may be at the two geographical extremes of the European continent, yet our relations have traditionally been excellent and have developed based on concrete substance and shared values and beliefs of peace and justice. As partners in the family of the European Union, we work closely together to achieve shared goals and address common challenges, recognizing that our future is interweaved.

Through the years, we have signed important bilateral agreements, covering a very broad field of cooperation in areas such as tourism, health, education, culture science and trade. I am particularly pleased to note that the entry into force of many important bilateral Agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of e-Governance, the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, as well as the Agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information, have taken our relations to the next level and have injected new momentum to our relationship, contributing to a more substantive partnership.

Our existing bilateral relations undoubtedly provide a solid foundation on which we can further promote our cooperation in new areas, as we are certain that there are genuine prospects towards this end. It is my Government’s objective to work towards the further enhancement of these ties in various areas, such as investments, trade, tourism, research and development, education and health, and explore new avenues of cooperation through the conclusion of new agreements.

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 Estonia’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.     

Estonia’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.

I am confident that during your tenure, we will work constructively together so as to deepen our cooperation even further and extend it into new areas within the framework of the European Union.

I sincerely wish you every success in your important duties, aimed at achieving greater mutual understanding and providing new impetus to the development of the relations between our two countries.

I would also kindly request that you convey to His Excellency, Mr Alar Karis, as well as to the amicable people of Estonia our warmest greetings and a message of friendship and solidarity.

I conclude by extending my heartfelt wishes and by assuring you once more of our support to your valuable mission, so that your tenure will be highly constructive and fruitful, and carried out in such a way that the sound relationship that Cyprus enjoys with Estonia will further flourish.

Ambassador Rannu, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus”. 

(EK/SCH)