Press Releases

It is a great pleasure and an honour to be in Japan, in my first official visit, and indeed, my first ever visit to this remarkable country.

I would like to thank you, and the Government of Japan for the exceptionally gracious hospitality. I very much look forward to reciprocating, by welcoming you soon to Cyprus, another beautiful island of rich ancient history and a wealth of cultural heritage. 

Cyprus and Japan, despite the geographical distance between them, have in fact a lot in common, and most importantly they have shared values and common interests. It is for this reason that Cyprus has placed enhancement of relations with Japan amongst the priorities of its foreign policy.

Relations in recent months have gained significant momentum and I am convinced of the joint commitment to see them blossom in the future. This momentum in our relations is evidenced by the recent establishment of a Japanese Embassy in Nicosia, following 56 years of diplomatic relations. Cyprus is reciprocating, and I am pleased to note that we are establishing an embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Tokyo. 

These developments bear testament to the mutual commitment to strengthen and deepen our bilateral ties in a tangible manner.

I look forward to a very fruitful and constructive discussion on a range of issues of common interest that we are keen to advance.

First and foremost on the bilateral front, where we will discuss areas of potential cooperation, including those of trade, shipping, energy and investment. We believe we can further enhance our existing cooperation with a view to consolidating and institutionalizing it, in ways that can bring enormous benefit to both sides. The time is right, particularly following the signing of the Strategic Partnership and Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Japan. The signing in July of these two highly important agreements was a pivotal step, which also signals the enhancement of the strategic relationship and the mutual commitment to rule-based international order.

As a member state of the European Union, Cyprus attaches great importance to this strategic partnership, and strongly supports the further enhancement of relations between the EU and Japan.

I also very much look forward to discussing international and regional developments with Minister Kono, including developments in the Eastern Meditteranean, an area full of challenges but also potential, and one which features amongst Japan’s foreign policy priorities. I will inform Minister Kono on our efforts to promote peace, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, including through the trilateral cooperation mechanisms established with neighbouring countries.

We believe that this form of regional cooperation creates synergies and paves the ground for greater cooperation, mutual understanding, trust and solidarity.  Through the traditionally close relations we enjoy with our neighbours, Cyprus is eager to contribute constructively to the efforts of the international community towards addressing the many challenges  the region faces. In essence, the trilateral fora we have formed in the Eastern Mediterranean are the embodiment of multilateralism.

I look forward to exchanging view with Minister Kono on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, and on Japan’s vision and strategy for a free and open area extending from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, aimed at promoting cooperation between Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We will of course also discuss issues pertaining to law of the sea and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to express Cyprus’s appreciation for Japan’s support to our efforts for a just and viable comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and international law. I will inform Minister Kono on the latest developments concerning our efforts to resume the negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.

In concluding, I wish to note that Cyprus is deeply appreciative of Japan’s positive contributions and commitments to rules-based international order, including with regards to law of the sea, and Japan’s commitment to acting together with the European Union in defense of shared values and principles with the aim of achieving global prosperity, security and stability.

Once again, thank you for your gracious hospitality and for your friendship.

I look forward to our discussion. Domo arigato.

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MG/II