Press Releases

Your Excellency,

Ministers,

Distinguished guests, 

I am truly delighted to be here with you today for the inauguration of the new premises of the Apostolic Nunciature in Cyprus.

Today’s event is another benchmark of the fifty years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Holy See, which maintain excellent bilateral relations guided by common values. 

We recall with fondness the memorable Apostolic Visit of His Holliness Pope Benedict XVI in June 2010, the recent visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in 2021, as well as the recent visit, last November, of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Christodoulides, to the Vatican.

Cyprus and the Holy See have developed strong bilateral cooperation in various fields such as culture, education, health, environment, research and many more. We are confident that our excellent cooperation and bilateral cooperation will be further enhanced.

I would also like to reiterate the importance we attach to our common concerns and hopes on issues of ecumenical significance such as the protection of human rights, environment and migration.

Moreover, special reference needs to be made to the significant contribution by the Maronite and Latin Churches to the Cypriot society in the fields of education, health, welfare and respect of life.

I seize this opportunity to also thank the Holy See for its principled stance over the years on the Cyprus Question and its support for a just and viable settlement in accordance with the agreed framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as prescribed in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Your Excellency,

It is in the spirit of our enduring partnership and friendship that I raise my glass and extend my most heartfelt wishes and congratulations for your new premises, to you Your Excellency and the distinguished guests of your Embassy.

Thank you.

(SuP/EP/AP)