Press Releases

Your Excellency,

It is with distinct pleasure that I receive today your Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of the French Republic to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Letters of Recall of your distinguished predecessor. As the new Ambassador of France that is a most valuable friend and closest partner within the European Union and beyond, especially in times of uncertainty, may I assure you that my Government will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties. May I add that my Government’s priority is to work for the further enhancement of our bilateral relations in all spheres of cooperation, so that our traditional ties of friendship may flourish even further. 

Your Excellency,

Cyprus and France share long-standing ties of friendship. As a result of our mutual respect and understanding and of our solid adherence to shared values, our bilateral relations have been fast-evolving in recent years, especially since the conclusion of our Strategic Agenda in 2016. It has led to a substantive dialogue marked by excellent cooperation in a plethora of areas. Telling examples of this close and multifaceted cooperation include the participation of TOTAL in the exploration of hydrocarbon deposits in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, the expansion of the French-Cypriot School in Limassol, and our upcoming full membership in the International Organization of ‘La Francophonie’

Moreover, a reflection of the strengthening and upgrading of our bilateral relations is the Agreement signed in 2022 and ratified last April regarding the cooperation during evacuation operations in the context of a crisis in the region of the Middle East through the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. The agreement underlines Cyprus’ role as a lighthouse of peace and stability in the turbulent Middle East region. At the same time underscores France’s historic interest and understanding of the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Our constructive and fruitful cooperation is also reflected in the fact that I have already visited Paris on three different official occasions in the 18 months since assuming office, and I hope to be able to reciprocate President Macron’s warm hospitality during the upcoming Med9 Summit in my home district of Paphos next month.

It would be an omission not to express our gratitude for France’s solidarity and constant support towards our efforts to reach a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and EU law and values.

As I have mentioned to President Macron during my working visit last year, just a few weeks after assuming office, as well as to other European leaders, the Cyprus problem is European, and, as such, the EU has a crucial role to play. We aspire to a more active EU role in enabling and enhancing the work of the UN, at all stages, including in the ongoing efforts to break the deadlock and returning to the negotiating table, always under the auspices of the Good Offices of the UN-Secretary General. We are making every effort to this direction, with a view to ending the Turkish occupation and reunifying Cyprus.

Your Excellency,

In welcoming you to Cyprus, I would kindly request that you convey to President Macron as well as to the amicable people of the French Republic our warmest greetings and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity. I conclude by extending my heartfelt wishes and by assuring you once more of the firm support of both myself and my Government to your valuable mission, so that your tenure will be highly substantive, and carried out in such a way that the strong, long-lasting relationship that Cyprus enjoys with France will become even closer.

Ambassador Chevrier Kolačko, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.

(AS/AP)