Press Releases

Your Excellency,

It is with great pleasure that I receive your Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new High Commissioner of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (UK) to the Republic of Cyprus. Our two countries share a multifaceted partnership that spans decades of cooperation and mutual understanding, along with common principles and values and a shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity.

The ties between Cyprus and the UK are rooted deeply in history. Over the decades, we have shaped our bilateral partnership into one of mutual benefit and common respect. Today, it becomes more apparent to acknowledge the importance of this partnership as we are in the midst of unprecedented regional and global challenges as well as to reaffirm our shared commitment to regional stability and the preservation of human rights and the rule of law.

Our two countries share a solid and dynamic cooperation, both at the bilateral and multilateral level. I am very glad for the opportunity I had to meet with the Prime Minister last month as well as for the very positive and constructive dialogue we had. We are filled with great satisfaction bearing the fruits of our work in various sectors such as education, tourism, culture, defence. We also look forward to the future achievements and I am certain that the next Strategic Dialogue in London will be productive and fruitful towards this goal.

In the economy field, the UK has always been one of Cyprus’s largest trading partners even through the post BREXIT era, and we continue building bridges for a more prosperous future. At the same time, the presence of the Cypriot community in the UK as well as the significant presence of the British community in Cyprus are vital for our relations especially on our economic and cultural exchanges.

The recent regional developments have also proved that our cooperation is vital for the regional stability as we continue to work together to combat terrorism, organised crime, cyber threat and to provide humanitarian aid to the people that are suffering in conflict zones. At this point, I would like to convey our special thanks to the UK for the close cooperation and active engagement regarding the Amalthea plan.

Your Excellency,

At this point, I wish to reiterate my unwavering dedication to a comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, firmly anchored on the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and fully in line with EU law and principles. Fifty years since the illegal Turkish invasion and the ongoing military occupation of almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I remain fully committed to working towards lasting peace in Cyprus, to reunifying the country, its institutions and people. The support and solidarity of the United Kingdom to these efforts is of paramount importance, given its position as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

Your Excellency,

I assure you, once more, that my government will support you in the execution of your new duties for the benefit of our two countries and people.

High Commissioner Tatham, welcome to Cyprus. 

(NZ/MS)