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09-09-2024 16:04

Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the ceremony for receiving the credentials of the new Ambassador of the State of Qatar, Mr Yousef Sultan Laram

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 State of Qatar to the Republic of Cyprus. I wish to assure you that my Government and the people of the Republic of Cyprus will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties, aiming at further deepening the already excellent bilateral relations between our two countries.

Your Excellency,

It is apparent that Cyprus and Qatar enjoy excellent relations at all levels, based on mutual respect and understanding. I thus remain fully committed to ensuring that our bilateral cooperation, not only in the political but also in the economic field, will be developed to their full potential in the years to come for the mnutual benefit of our two countries and people.

His Highness the Amir’s official visit to Cyprus in 2024 as well as my official visit to Qatar in 2023 mark a significant milestone in our bilateral partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to strengthening even further our multi-faceted and fruitful collaboration. Notable examples of this solid cooperation include the drillings by ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone as well as the direct flights from Doha to Larnaca Airport operated by Qatar Airways.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to emphasize that enhancing the relations between Cyprus and Qatar, and all its Gulf partners, remains a strategic objective for the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It constitutes an absolute priority for Cyprus’ foreign policy in an effort to address regional challenges as well as to promote peace and security in our shared region. In view of this, I am eager to intensify contacts at all levels and to establish regular political consultations. I strongly believe that ongoing dialogues will undoubtedly serve as an essential platform to discuss and collaborate on issues of mutual interest and concern.

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus remains committed to actively supporting the promotion of Qatari interests within the EU framework. In the broader regional context, Cyprus is a staunch advocate for the deepening and expansion of EU-GCC relations and to this end, I look forward to our first Summit in Brussels taking plce next October. 

Our rapidly converging interests, shaped by the evolving dynamics of the region, underscore the great importance of our partnership. In this context, we must also acknowledge the pressing regional challenges. Qatar’s role in mediating complex regional issues, such as its efforts in facilitating dialogue and assisting with humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, has been indeed pivotal. These contributions highlight Qatar’s role as a bridge in the region, particularly in light of the potential ripple effects from ongoing conflicts and the destabilization they may cause.

As we navigate such a complex reality, I am confident that our strengthened partnership will allow us to face these challenges together, ensuring stability and prosperity for our peoples and the region.

Your Excellency,

Fifty years since the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing military occupation of almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, my Government remains committed to a comprehensive and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on relevant UNSC Resolutions for the benefit of all Cypriots. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, along with the international community, unequivocally condemn the Turkish side’s position for a two-state solution. We are making every effort to resume negotiations, with a view to ending the Turkish occupation and reunifying Cyprus and its people.

Your Excellency,

While welcoming you to Cyprus, please convey my warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as to the Government and the people of Qatar. I would like to reaffirm my Government's unwavering support to your important mission, with the hope that your tenure will be productive and successful. I am confident that through your efforts, the strong relationship between Cyprus and Qatar will continue to thrive in the years to come.

Ambassador Laram, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.

(NGian/AP)