Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received yesterday, Thursday 26 July 2018, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Māris Klišāns.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Klišāns said:

“Your Excellency,

It is my great pleasure and honour to be here today for the presentation of the Letters of Credence which will open a new chapter in my diplomatic work. Let me highlight that this year is of a special importance for my country as on the 18 November we will celebrate Latvia’s centenary.

Diplomatic relations between Latvia and Cyprus were established in 1991 and throughout these years the cooperation between our countries has consistently developed.

Today Latvia and Cyprus are linked by strong and cordial ties of friendship in political, economic and other areas. I believe that these friendly relations are a reflection of our common European values, which provide a solid basis for closer cooperation both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks. Let me specifically note the excellent cooperation that exists between us within the European Union – an organization that Latvia and Cyprus joined simultaneously in 2004.

In order to further advance our bilateral relations I believe it would be beneficial to strengthen the political dialogue. I will provide my support to facilitate regular contacts and exchange of visits of our state officials.

There is also a great potential to increase our economic cooperation. The recently concluded agreement for the avoidance of double taxation could facilitate business cooperation and encourage our entrepreneurs to look for new business opportunities.

I truly hope that the positive dynamics in our relations will only grow stronger in all areas of common interest and that we will continue working together to promote the dialogue on issues of major importance for our countries, their people and Europe.

Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate Latvia’s support in finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue and unification of the island on the basis of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. A long awaited comprehensive settlement will benefit the whole island of Cyprus as well as regional stability and growth.

As an Ambassador to Cyprus I will do my utmost to contribute to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation among our states. I will be committed and supportive to the efforts aimed at strengthening the cooperation between Latvia and Cyprus. I am convinced that Cyprus and Latvia, even though geographically separated, will continue to promote mutually advantageous political, economic and cultural ties between our countries and spread the common European values to a broader region.”

Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic 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 new Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Cyprus. I would like to assure you that my Government will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your duties and I personally look forward to working with you on further developing the bilateral relations between our two countries.

This year is indeedof special importance for your country asitcelebrates the centenary of the Proclamation of its independence and its path to statehood. I wish to express my congratulations in this regard.

Cyprus and Latvia enjoy excellent relations, at bilateral and multilateral levels, based on strong bonds of friendship, close cooperation and common European values and principles. Our bilateral cooperation is dynamic and our coordination at EU level on several fronts is constantly growing.  Let me assure you of our willingness to keep up this momentum of cooperation and expand it even further in all areas of mutual interest.

We also stand ready to explore opportunities for cooperation between Cypriot and Latvian entrepreneurs, especially following by the recently concluded Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation.

At this critical juncture for the European Union, where it is essential to preserve our unity and our solidarity, Cyprus and Latvia can work even closer together with the aim of addressing jointly and effectively the challenges faced by our European family today. 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.

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 Republic of Latvia 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,

In welcoming you to Cyprus, I would like to wish you every success in your duties and kindly request that you convey to His Excellency, President Raimonds Vējonis, as well as to the amicable people of the Republic of Latvia our warmest greetings and a message of friendship and solidarity.”

II/AH