29-11-2018 20:58
Address by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mr. Costas Kadis on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Romania’s National Day
It is with distinct honour and privilege that I join you this evening to celebrate the National Day of Romania, in commemoration of the 100years Anniversary of Romania’s unification in 1918.
On behalf of the President, the Government and the People of the Republic of Cyprus, on this auspicious occasion, I wish to extend my most heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes for the further progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Romania.
One hundred years onward, Romania is a modern democratic country with concrete and remarkable achievements in the world political arena as a member of the European Union and the United Nations.
Today’s celebration provides another great opportunity to reflect on the deep-rooted bonds of friendship of our people and to reaffirm the long-standing excellent bilateral relations between Cyprus and Romania.
Over the years, our two countries have established a close cooperation in various fields of mutual concern and interest, a cooperation that I am convinced will continue to flourish and expand.
I take this opportunity, ladies and gentlemen, to assure you of our willingness and readiness to maintain the current momentum and continue working closely with the Romanian Government towards, not only the further enhancement of our dynamic and constantly growing partnership, but also to explore new areas of potential cooperation.
Reflective of the exemplary ties between Cyprus and Romania, is the fact the Cyprus, today, ranks as the 4th largest investor in Romania and we proceed with all the necessary measures to ensure that this positive trend continues to develop in the years to come. Furthermore, our strong bonds also extend to the world of academia, as hundreds of Cypriot students are studying or have graduated from Romanian Universities.
I would also like to highlight our appreciation towards the active Romanian community who live and work in Cyprus for their tangible contribution in broadening our relations, enriching the cultural fabric of the Cypriot society, as well as contributing to the island’s economy.
Distinguished Guests,
As members of the European family since 2004, Cyprus and Romania have collaborated towards the promotion of a collective European agenda, based on democracy, peace and security. The enormous challenges we are currently facing, urge the need for an enhanced cooperation, both at bilateral and EU level, in order to, collectively and effectively, address them.
As we are approaching 2019 and the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I take this opportunity to reiterate our strong commitment in policies that safeguard and ensure unity, solidarity and cohesion among Member States.
Romania assumes the Presidency during the most demanding and challenging times for Europe and the European citizens. We fully support the priorities you have set, as we share the same concerns and the same vision for our Union. Cyprus will be by your side in your endeavour to advance these priorities.
Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate the National Day of Romania, also called the Unification Day, leading to the formation of the Romanian state. As we remember the day Romania became united on December 01, 1918, we also hope that our tireless efforts for the unification of Cyprus will be soon successfully fulfilled and we will be able to talk about a united Cyprus, which since the Turkish invasion of 1974 has remained divided.
I would like to express our gratitude for Romania’s principled stance on the Cyprus Problem and your country’s unwavering support during the negotiating process all these years. I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you, once again, that President Anastasiades remains strongly committed to resuming the negotiating process with the aim to create sound prospects of reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem.
Madame Charge d’ Affaires,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With these thoughts, I raise my glass to the long-standing friendship between Cyprus and Romania, and to the good health and the continued progress and prosperity of the Romanian people.
Noroc!
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MAK/SCH
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