Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received today, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Maria Manuela Freitas Bairos.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Bairos said:

“At the limits of the ancient world known to us, where Europe now stands, there were gods in command of the Universe, whose actions, desires and needs make them look very human in today’s comprehension. Love, wrath, glory, defeat, justice, punishment and compassion were part of their world as they are of ours today.  Defeated by Athens, Atlantis was dispatched to the end of the seas, in the proximity of today’s Portugal. Poseidon, its master, undoubtedly inspired the Portuguese to sail the Atlantic and beyond.

Cyprus was given no easier role, when Aphrodite chose to raise from the sea in this island. Land of plenty indeed, Cyprus has given so much to so many throughout its history. It was not without suffering that its history has been written but it is fair to say that Cyprus’s modern history as an independent country has been able to reward its citizens with an unprecedented level of prosperity, for the fulfillment of its mythological patron. 

Cyprus and Portugal are both members of the European Union, and the European project is their natural environment, but geography invited both countries to build their historic journeys and collective imagination much beyond the European continent. Portugal had an open door toward the Atlantic to meet other continents, and Cyprus was the open door for several continents to meet in the Eastern Mediterranean. Both countries small in size but big in their understanding of the dynamics of the wider surrounding world.  This remains true today. The European Union is certainly enriched by the contributions brought by two countries who have forged their own alliances and friendship ties with other parts of the world and by their efforts in helping to tackle the difficult challenges the Union meets today.

Cooperation and diplomacy are key instruments in securing the best solutions for the increasing complexity of the problems that the international community currently faces. Multilateralism, at a global or regional level, has no substitute in the search for the necessary compromises. Cyprus with its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, combined with its political stability and sound democracy, is rightfully expected to play a major role in the region, also in its capacity as full member of the European Union.

Cyprus is at a crucial juncture.  This is a moment for difficult decisions, when history comes upon a generation of political leaders and their communities to close a painful cycle of Cyprus existence as a country. With the full support of the EU, and the renewed efforts of the UN mediation, we can only expect that all parties involved will reach a compromise for a fair and sustainable solution, giving Cyprus the full fruition of its sovereignty and multi-ethnic identity.

Portugal recognizes the importance of the ongoing international efforts to settle the Cypriot Question and supports a just and viable solution negotiated under the framework of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices and in line with relevant Security Council Resolutions and EU principles, which will reunify the Cypriot people by addressing the concerns of both communities. We believe that with a constructive, flexible and committed approach, reconciliation can be achieved through a compromise that will safeguard Cyprus’ independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Part of the same Mediterranean civilization, Portugal and Cyprus can mutually enrich their common ground and friendship by sharing the opportunities offered by their strategic locations in the geographic extremes of Europe and by their understanding of the regions they are part of.  Moreover, in the context of the European Union, both countries have been through similar challenges in the recent past and have shown the same determination to overcome the difficulties and to actively participate in the solutions to major issues in the European agenda, including migration and the refugee crisis.

As the Ambassador of Portugal to Cyprus, I hope to be able to contribute to maintaining and strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and partnerships that already exist between the two countries at an institutional level and also through the initiative of our civil societies, and to assure that Portugal will support any endeavours that may bring about the advancement of Cyprus and the Cypriots.”

Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic said:

“Your Excellency,

It is with great pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I accept your Letters of Credence as the Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Letters of Recall of your predecessor. Let me assure you that my Government will provide you with every assistance you may require in the performance of your duties.

I take this opportunity to express my satisfaction with the excellent level of bilateral relations that our countries enjoy and to assure you that I look forward to working with you so as to deepen them even further.

Indeed, Cyprus and Portugal enjoy a very good level of cooperation and mutual support in international fora as well as within the framework of the European Union. Being Mediterranean members of the European family offers us the opportunity to work together at the EU level on the basis of our shared values, vision and interests.

Moreover, I am greatly satisfied that our two countries work closely together to address common challenges and achieve mutual objectives within the framework of the MedGroup, which provides a forum to discuss and coordinate on issues of common interest relating to the EU.

Your Excellency,

With a renewed mandate by the people, my top priority remains none other than addressing the unacceptable current state of affairs with the continuing Turkish occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, since there is no doubt that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

To this end, on numerous occasions, I reiterated in the clearest terms to the UN Secretary-General, our partners in the EU, the Permanent and non-Permanent Members of the Security Council and the international community in general, that I remain strongly committed to resuming the negotiating process.

What is of course required is to create those necessary conditions that will allow the dialogue to resume on the basis of good will and constructive stance from all stakeholders, particularly by the Turkish side, in order to safeguard the positive outcome of the negotiations.

The above-mentioned were reiterated during my recent fruitful meeting with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, during which I also stressed that I remain sincerely committed to negotiate a solution within the framework set by the Secretary-General, as clarified on July 04, 2017, with the same determination and positive attitude we have demonstrated since the beginning of the dialogue.

Within this context, I do hope that the meetings of the special envoy of the United Nations which will soon take place with all other interested parties and stakeholders involved will allow the Secretary-General to be in a position to resume negotiations.

Taking this opportunity, I wish to remind that the failure of the Conference on Cyprus in July 2017 was precisely due to Turkey’s insistence on its long-standing position in maintaining the continuation of the anachronistic system of guarantees, the unilateral right of intervention, and the permanent presence of Turkish troops.

I also wish to remind that our side submitted comprehensive written proposals for each and every one of Mr Guterres six-point framework, including on a new security architecture that would replace anachronisms and the strategic aspirations of third countries against Cyprus.

Having said the above, at the same time we should also not ignore the remaining significant differences on the other chapters of the Cyprus problem. Differences that can be easily resolved by adopting and respecting what is considered as our obligation: The European acquis.

It is only through adhering to these fundamental principles which determine that a member-state of the United Nations and the European Union cannot be considered truly independent and sovereign if it is not free of any third country dependencies, that we can truly establish the conditions for prosperity and peaceful co-existence between all the citizens of Cyprus, in an environment of safety and stability.

I truly wish that both our Turkish Cypriots compatriots and Turkey will respond positively to the new prospect that is presented again upon us, taking into account in a comprehensive manner and without being selective, the provisions set by the Secretary-General at the Conference in Crans Montana.

I wish to reassure you, once again, of my determination to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement that will finally reunify our island after 44 years of division, ensuring conditions of safety for the future generations of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, without any third country military troops or guarantees.

A settlement that will satisfy the genuine desire of our people, especially of the younger generations, to live together and peacefully co-exist, collaborate and prosper in a European country which fully respects their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

And aside the obvious fact that the solution of the Cyprus problem would be first and foremost to the benefit of all Cypriots:

(i) On a regional level it would turn Cyprus into a model-country of stability and predictability and would amplify Cyprus’ role as a security provider in one of the most turbulent areas of the world.

(ii) At a European level, it would end the oxymoron of having one of its member-states being divided, while it would also positively reinforce EU-Turkey’s relations and the overall security architecture of the EU.

(iii) Last, but not least, the solution of an international problem which has been on the agenda of the United Nations in the last decades, will offer a beacon of hope that even the most intractable problems can be solved peacefully through the United Nations.

Taking into consideration the aforesaid, Excellency, and in expressing the deep appreciation of the Government and the people of Cyprus for the support of the Portuguese Republic to our continuous efforts to reach a just, viable and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the EU law, values and principles, please allow me to stress the importance in exerting Your influence, individually and through multilateral fora, to Turkey in order to revisit its intransigent positions and demands that are not in line with Cyprus’s capacity as a member state of the EU, so as to create sound prospects of achieving an overall agreement.

Your Excellency,

During the past few years we have succeeded in turning an economy in distress into a story of strong economic recovery that gained international praise.

The positive repercussions of an ambitious reform programme and the careful management of state finances are being reflected through, among others, successive budget surpluses, a dynamic growth rate of 4%, a drastic reduction in unemployment, consecutive upgrades of our economy by international rating agencies, as well as a significant reduction in taxation.

At the same time, despite the economic difficulties we have faced, our country’s comparative advantages not only remain intact, but have been further enhanced and expanded. These include one of the most competitive corporate tax rates, a significant network of Agreements for Avoidance of Double Taxation, a highly qualified and professional workforce and a fully EU harmonised tax and legal system.

The combination of the above, in conjunction with the reforms in the public sector and the enhancement of the tax and legal frameworks, resulted in renewed substantial investments in a wide range of sectors. The operation of oil and gas giants in our Exclusive Economic Zone, the licensing of the first integrated casino resort with an investment of more than half a billion euro, an impressive 18% annual increase in investment funds’ registration, the record numbers of the tourism industry in both arrivals and revenue and the commercialization of the Limassol port, it is evident that our efforts have borne fruit.

The challenge now is to keep up the momentum and ensure that Cyprus remains on a path of sustainable growth.

To this end, maintaining the reform momentum is imperative. The entire planning for the years 2018-2023 is a continuation of everything we achieved during my first term in office. With this in mind, we will continue consultations with the parliamentary parties with a view to gain their support for our reforms programme, in the fields of public service, education, health, the judiciary system and e-governance.

We also aim to continue with the policy of tax reductions and provide new incentives, in order to further boost entrepreneurship and attract new investments, with emphasis placed on innovation and start-ups. The new Investment Law to fast-track licensing procedures for large investments and the establishment of new enhanced investment funds framework, are crucial steps in this direction.

At the same time, the newly-established Deputy Ministry of Shipping offers substantial support and attention to the already thriving maritime sector of Cyprus and we have no doubt that the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, planned to be operational by January 1^st of 2019, will enhance even further the growing tourist industry. Most importantly, we will continue to invest in our people and work with determination and passion to drive change, progress and prosperity in our country.

Your Excellency,

Please convey my best wishes to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sosa as well as my commitment for closer bilateral relations between our two countries. Ambassador Maria Manuela Freitas Bairos, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus and wish you a successful tenure.” 

(RM/AH/II)