Press Releases

Excellency,

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

Excellency,

Our bonds of friendship and cooperation, have always been strong and your presence in Cyprus serves as a symbol of our lasting friendship. Without a doubt, we have a solid foundation to build towards a future loaded with possibilities. However, I am firmly convinced that there is always room for improvement. Cyprus and Belgium, can work together for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples in an array of sectors, such as education, shipping, innovation, and tourism. These are only several areas to explore in order to strengthen and intensify our bilateral collaboration.

The world is now facing increasingly turbulent times. Energy security, climate change, the precarious position of world’s economy, terrorism, ethnic and sectarian conflicts all constitute indicative example of the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. It goes without saying that as member states of the European Union we must overcome these obstacles by staying true to our shared European values and principles. It is more than ever necessary, to safeguard these values against those who wish to undermine peace, stability and democracy.

The recent developments in the Middle East prove that there are no frozen conflicts and that in the absence of viable and lasting peace the risk of conflict is ever-present. Our support towards Israel, should be unquestionable, as the resurgence of terror must be treated accordingly so as not to allow brutality and barbarity to spread fear and hatred. With regards to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is critically important to continue supporting the people of the country. From day one, the Republic of Cyprus has maintained an unequivocal, principled stance in support of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine that we consider to be of huge importance, if other like-minded actors are to be dissuades. Furthermore, a number of unprecedented measures, have been taken by the EU to strongly support Ukraine and its people while remaining committed to support, among other things, Ukraine’s future reconstruction.

Excellency,

I express my sincere appreciation for the principled stance of Belgium regarding the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. We highly value your support in our efforts to resume negotiations from where they were left off at Crans Montana. Furthermore, our effort for an enhanced role on behalf of the European Union, not only at the technocratic level, once negotiations have resumed, but also at a high political level during the current stage of trying to reinvigorate the prospect of resuming the talks, derives from the status of Cyprus as an EU member state.

Therefore, I wish to reiterate once again that my highest priority is the reunification of Cyprus and its people, through a comprehensive and viable settlement in full respect of UNSC Resolutions and EU law.

Your Excellency,

In closing, I wish to assure you once again of my Government’s full support in the discharge of your important duties, and I would kindly request that you convey to King Philippe and the friendly people of Belgium my warmest greetings and a message of friendship and solidarity.

Ambassador, Mark Calcoen, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.

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For the address of the Ambassador, press here.

(MTH)