Press Releases

It is with distinct pleasure that I welcome you all at the Presidential Palace on the occasion of the opening ceremony of FREDMUN CYPRUS 2018, a pioneering initiative organised for the third consecutive year by Frederick University and strongly supported by the United Nations.

I wish at the outset to convey President Anastasiades’ sincere appreciation and congratulations to the organisers, along with his best wishes for most productive deliberations in hosting this Conference. A Conference that stimulates the interest of our students and motivates them to reflect, express and act as conscious and active citizens on various critical issues. Regrettably, due to other already scheduled obligations, the President is not able to attend this important event.

FREDMUN CYPRUS 2018, to be more precise, the Frederick Model United Nations 2018, is now an established and successful institution with various educational and cultural activities taking place at national and international level.

During the Conference’s working sessions, participants will be able to get an insight and appreciate the role and responsibilities of a diplomat and the significance of this role in representing the interests and policies of their nations.

There is no doubt, dear friends, that the experiences and knowledge that our young people will gain from engaging in such processes are both diverse and important. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to participate in a collective and democratic process that promotes constructive dialogue and highlights the respect of human rights, as well as to realise and understand the mission and objectives of the United Nations, an organisation tasked to maintain international peace and security, to achieve international cooperation and to develop friendly relations among nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Cyprus, a member of the United Nations since 1960, recognises and respects the organisation’s efforts towards successfully fulfilling of its mission.

Especially for Cyprus, a country that still experiences the tragic consequences of the Turkish invasion and the presence of the Turkish troops on the island, the role and significant contribution of the United Nations is considered to be of utmost importance. Equally important and decisive is the organisation’s tireless efforts towards reaching a viable and functional settlement to the Cyprus Problem, a solution that will reunify Cyprus and will create conditions of peace, security, prosperity and progress on the island.

I take this opportunity to express my respect and appreciation to this evening’s honouree, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, my dear friend Nikos Christodoulides, honoured for his overall diplomatic work all these years and for successfully implementing the country’s foreign policy.

Mr Christodoulides assumed office during the most challenging times, but his determination and commitment to public service, human rights and international cooperation has enabled him to fulfil the role successfully. His leadership contributes significantly towards the enhancement of our relations with other countries, both at bilateral and multilateral level, and of course, I feel obliged to mention his long – term contribution on our main priority which is no other than reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

In closing, I would like to congratulate, once again, Frederick University for hosting and organising the FREDMUN CYPRUS 2018, particularly all the academics and students participating.

(RM/AH)