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18-02-2019 19:01

Speech of the Presidential Commissioner, Mr Photis Photiou, on the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia

It is a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia. I take this opportunity to convey, on behalf of President Anastasiades and the Government of Cyprus, our wholehearted congratulations and best wishes to the friendly people of Serbia.

Bilateral relations between Cyprus and Serbia are at an excellent stage. Our countries have a shared vision of international peace, democracy and prosperity. This common vision, along with our age-old historical and religious bonds, has created naturally strong ties of close friendship and mutual understanding. We stand ready to further broaden our ties and reach the full potential of our partnership. The existence of a very vibrant Serbian community in Cyprus, which constitutes a substantive component of the Cypriot society, contributes immensely towards this common goal. 

We welcome the exchange of high-level visits and the signing of a number of bilateral agreements between our two countries. We hope and expect that this will continue. Most recently, we had the great pleasure to welcome the President of the Republic of Serbia, to Cyprus on the occasion of the 2ndIntergovernmental Summit between our two countries. The Summit signals our strong political will to deepen even further our bilateral relations. The Joint Statement adopted, reflects our common desire to strengthen our ties and serves as an important reference point for our bilateral and multilateral priorities.

The Government of Cyprus highly values Serbia’s steadfast support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, international and EU law, as well as its past contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force on the island. We express our sincere hope to reach a comprehensive settlement that will finally reunify our island, ensuring conditions of safety for the future generations of all Cypriots, without the presence of foreign troops or guarantees.

Dear friends,

Allow me at this point to reiterate Cyprus’ unwavering respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999). We fully support its efforts for reaching a mutually acceptable and sustainable solution for Kosovo and Metohija within the EU facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Let me lastly clearly express our firm support on Serbia’s accession path to the EU. Serbia’s future lies within the EU. We commend Serbia on the great progress it has achieved so far in this respect. Serbia can depend on Cyprus as a reliable partner and friend within the EU.

Dear friends,

In closing, let us all raise our glasses in congratulating the Government and the people of Serbia on this joyous occasion, and wish them peace and prosperity for the future.

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(MG/AH/II)