Press Releases

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, with residence in Pretoria, Mr Antonis Mandritis, presented his credentials to Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana.

Mr Mandritis presented his credentials to President Hakainde Hichilema in a special ceremony which took place at the Presidential Palace in Lusaka. In Mozambique, the Cypriot High Commissioner presented his credentials to President Filipe Nyusi at a ceremony which took place at the Presidential Palace in Maputo. Finally, Mr Mandritis presented his credentials to the President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, in a special ceremony which took place at the Presidential Palace in Gaborone.

During the ceremonies, High Commissioner Mandritis conveyed to the three Presidents the warm greetings of President Christodoulides and the people of Cyprus. In the meetings that followed, reference was made to the history of relations between the countries and Cyprus, as well as the very good level of bilateral cooperation, based on the mutual respect and commitment to strengthen them even further.

The High Commissioner also briefed the leaders on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the ongoing efforts to restart the negotiations with the aim of finding a just and viable solution. In relation to the Cyprus problem, all three Presidents expressed their country's commitment to international legality and reaffirmed their support to the efforts to find a solution. In all meetings, reference was also made to the fact that Cyprus, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana are all members of the Commonwealth and remain committed to international legality and the respect of international law and the UN Charter.

During his stay in the three countries, Mr Mandritis met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, officials of the Foreign Ministries, as well as members of the academic and business community. Mr Mandritis also had the opportunity to meet with the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Zimbabwe, as well as the leadership and members of the Cypriot community in the above-mentioned countries.

(MP/AP/GS)