Press Releases

I am honoured to join you this evening on the celebration of the Bastille Day, this grand National Day of France.

I would like to start by wishing Ambassador Grenet-Catalano, my dear Salina, a quick and smooth recovery from Covid-19.

The fall of Bastille did not only mark the start of the French Revolution - one of the most iconic landmarks of modern world history -, but it also became synonymous with revolutionary political change in Europe and throughout the world.

Above all, the events of 1789 initiated the introduction of the ideas of freedom, equality and fraternity and the establishment of the rule of law.

At the same time, the French Revolution did not only reshape France, but soon thereafter resonated in Europe and had a long-lasting impact on European history. 

In this regard, the Declaration of Human Rights, which had been approved by the National Assembly of France in August 1789, remains one of the basic chapters of human liberties.

That all human beings are born and remain free and equal in rights; namely the rights of liberty, private property, the inviolability of the person, and resistance to oppression. That all citizens are equal before the law.

Nowadays, if one thinks of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, they will realize that many of these, such as the right to freedom, dignity, equality and solidarity, stem back from the fundamentals of the French revolutionary era of the eighteenth century.

Naturally, as a founding member of the European Communities in the 1950s, France has played a major role in the development of our European family, leading to the European Union, as we now know it.

Less than two weeks ago, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union has been completed.

And I must say, dear Virginie, France did an outstanding job and produced an enormous amount of work, for which you must be very proud.

When you assumed the EU Presidency last January, everybody knew that the exercise would be delicate, because you were taking over at a time of a prolonged health crisis and uncertain economic recovery, while also having to think of the French general elections.

Then in February, we had the return of war to Europe, with Russia's unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which inevitably had a heavy impact on the agenda prepared by Paris.

However, even though the war became everybody’s priority, you managed to continue steering substantial work in the Council, in crucial areas such as energy, climate change, the reform of the Common European Asylum System - and you all know the size of the asylum crisis in Cyprus in this respect - the EU Enlargement Policy, security and defence and many more.

Allow me, dear Virginie, to use the opportunity and, once again, convey my deep appreciation to President Macron, who showed great statesmanship in the Ukrainian crisis and continues to do his utmost, complementary to all the other measures that we have collectively and unanimously adopted, to facilitate a ceasefire and pave the way for ending the war.

The French national day is always an occasion to look back at to the bilateral relations between Cyprus and France and to cherish our strategic partnership, friendship and common values.

I wish to express my genuine satisfaction in the development, all these years, of strong bilateral relations in all areas between our countries and of a solid network of cooperation in the European Union, as well as in a variety of multilateral fora, including the UN Security Council.

To give you but a few examples:

In the field of Energy, we are very pleased for the importance that France attaches to the Eastern Mediterranean, something which is demonstrated, inter alia, through the French participation in regional initiatives that promote cooperation between the countries of the region, including the East Med Gas Forum.

Also, TOTAL’s involvement in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone signifies France’s vote of confidence in our Energy Policy which is always in strict adherence to international law. We appreciate the recent resumption of TOTAL & ENI’s exploration activities, after the short break because of the pandemic, and we hope that new discoveries will bring us even closer to realizing our vision of creating, together with neighbouring countries, a strategic Energy Corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean to Europe.

In the sector of defence, our countries have forged a practical partnership, based on our joint commitment to international law and democratic principles, whose aim is to enhance stability and diminish threats to peace and security in the entire East Med and Middle East region.

In this regard, I wish to express my appreciation for the regular naval presence of France in Cyprus, as was the case earlier in the year, with the docking in Limassol port of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the flagship of the French Navy.

I would be remiss, if I did not also refer to our agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of a number of helicopters that will be operated by the National Guard, always for defensive purposes.

Then, there is, of course, the French-Cypriot School of Nicosia, which this year is celebrating 10 years of extremely successful operation. And have to admit, I cannot wait for the launching of the branch in my home town of Limassol.

Naturally I couldn’t conclude without a mention of the Cyprus issue, which remains an open wound in the heart of Europe.

I would like to express my gratitude to France for its full solidarity towards the Republic of Cyprus and its steadfast support in reaching a fair, functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, and the acquis communautaire.

Your support to us, including those Turkish Cypriots who are working for the reunification of our country - and not the preservation of the status quo or the permanent division of Cyprus into two states - is always crucial. 

On my part, what I would like to once more reiterate is my resolve to resume negotiations for the settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as prescribed in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, that would safeguard the human rights of all our citizens, respect the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy and rid our country of any kind of foreign dependencies.

To this end, the win-win Confidence Building Measures that I have proposed which are not designed to score political points, but to build trust between the two communities and pave the way for the resumption of meaningful negotiations to reunify Cyprus, are still on the table. To this end, all your support is essential.

Dear Virginie, France is - and will remain - one of our closest allies and we look eagerly to a continued friendship and close cooperation with you. 

(RM/MV)