Press Releases

The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received credentials of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in Athens, Mr Klavs A. Holm, during a formal ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Holm, speaking in English, said:

“Your Excellency,

Mr. President,

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to present the Letters of Credence by which Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has appointed me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Denmark to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Letters of Recall of my predecessor.

Our two countries share very close and warm relations, both on a bilateral basis and as partners within the European Union. At the official level we have frequent exchanges, including at the highest levels. Thousands of Danes visit Cyprus every year and return with deep appreciation of your beautiful country, its people, its nature, its rich culture and history. For generations Cyprus and Denmark have had very fruitful cooperation in trade and shipping. I look forward to adding my efforts to those of my predecessors and make the ties and the commercial cooperation between Denmark and Cyprus even stronger. 

Mr. President,

Cyprus has demonstrated a remarkable economic recovery after a very difficult period during the global economic recession. Over the past years, we have seen a number of positive developments that will allow Cyprus to move forward. The economic reconstruction is progressing ahead of schedule, which has been recognized by the partners of Cyprus. This has allowed Cyprus to return to the international financial markets earlier than expected. The latest sign of this positive development was the high demand for the recent 30 years Cyprus bonds a couple of weeks ago.

Mr. President,

In the course of the years, we have seen close cooperation between our two countries in a number of areas, in particular the excellent assistance and support we received from Cyprus in connection with the maritime operation to transport chemical agents out of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mr. President,

In March 2014 we marked the 50th Anniversary of the arrival of the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus. Denmark was one of the countries that provided troops to the initial deployment, and the anniversary therefore also marked the 50 years that have passed since the first Danish soldiers arrived on the island to assist Cyprus. Between 1964 and 1992, more than 22.000 Danish soldiers served in Cyprus.

Mr. President,

Over the past five decades, the division of Cyprus has caused negative consequences for all Cypriots as well as for regional stability and cooperation. Denmark wishes to reaffirm its principled support to the efforts for the resumption of negotiations under UN auspices for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on International Law and in line with the UN Charter and the relevant United Nations resolutions.

The path to reunification is long and not easy to conclude, but we remain confident that the strong ambitions, skill and courage of the present leadership in Cyprus will eventually prevail and lead to a solution that will bring stability and prosperity to a reunited Cyprus for generations to come.

Mr. President,

Cyprus is a frontline state and faces challenges from migration. We believe that irregular migrants and refugees should be assisted as close to their countries as possible. In the EU, we can further this by setting a new strategic goal based on the concept of mandatory solidarity, which could cover a range of different measures that each member state could choose from, thereby contributing to the solution of the problem.

Mr. President,

My Government has instructed me to do my utmost to strengthen the already close ties that exist between Cyprus and Denmark bilaterally and as partners within the European Union and other multilateral fora including the United Nations. As small countries, Denmark and Cyprus share a special interest in strengthening the rules based international system in order to promote free trade and international order.

We also see opportunities for stronger commercial cooperation between our countries where some of the leading Danish companies within green technology and sustainable energy may be of interest to Cyprus. Also, both nations’ proud traditions in shipping provide an opportunity to explore stronger commercial cooperation in this field.

Mr. President,

Finally, at her specific request, let me convey to you and to the people of Cyprus the personal best wishes of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II.

Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic said:

“Your Excellency,

It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I receive today your Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Cyprus. I would like to assure you that my Government will provide you with every assistance in the performance of your high duties.

Cyprus and Denmark enjoy close and warm relations, both as partners within the European Union and on a bilateral basis.

Our two countries share a long historical connection. Notable milestones include the time when Danish King Erik I perished in Cyprus on his way to the Holy Land in 1103, Denmark’s contribution with more than 22.000 Danish peacekeepers to the Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus from 1964 until 1992, the decision to welcome Cyprus as into EU taken in Copenhagen in 2002, the seamless trio cooperation during our Presidencies of the Council of the European Union in 2012, and the cooperation between the cities of Pafos and Aarhus as European Capitals of Culture in 2017.

As countries which share the same commitment to effective multilateralism and to a rules-based international system, our countries have also worked efficiently together to advance common goals, notably in relation to international criminal law and justice.

You can be assured of my strong desire to continue working closely with you for the overall enhancement of our relations.

Your Excellency,

With a renewed mandate by the people, my top priority remains none other than addressing the unacceptable current state of affairs with the continuing Turkish occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, since there is no doubt that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem.

To this end, on numerous occasions, I reiterated in the clearest terms to the UN Secretary-General, our partners in the EU, the Permanent and non-Permanent Members of the Security Council and the international community in general, that I remain strongly committed to resuming the negotiating process.

What is of course required is to create those necessary conditions that will allow the dialogue to resume on the basis of good will and constructive stance from all stakeholders, particularly by the Turkish side, in order to safeguard the positive outcome of the negotiations.

Taking this opportunity, I wish to remind that the failure of the Conference on Cyprus in July 2017 was due to Turkey’s insistence on its long-standing position in maintaining the continuation of the anachronistic system of guarantees, the unilateral right of intervention, and the permanent presence of Turkish troops.

I also wish to remind that our side submitted comprehensive written proposals for each and every one of Mr. Guterres six-point framework, including on a new security architecture that would replace anachronisms and the strategic aspirations of third countries against Cyprus.

Having said the above, at the same time we should also not ignore the remaining significant differences on the other chapters of the Cyprus Problem.  Differences that can be easily resolved by adopting and respecting what is considered as our obligation: The European acquis.

It is only through adhering to these fundamental principles which determine that a member-state of the United Nations and the European Union can only be considered as truly independent and sovereign if it is free of any third country dependencies, that we can truly establish the conditions for prosperity and peaceful co-existence between all the citizens of Cyprus, in an environment of safety and stability.

As regards the current stay of play, the Special Envoy appointed by the UN Secretary – General, Ms. Jane Holl Lute, has held four separate meetings with all parties involved with the aim of agreeing on the “Terms of Reference” as to the methodology of a new negotiating process.

My most important political aim has always been, and will continue to be, to reach a viable, functional and comprehensive settlement, one that will safeguard an independent foreign policy, committed to European democratic values. The present status quo is not a sustainable option.

It is for this reason that, in response to the encouragement from the Secretary-General for any new input that could prove useful in bringing the sides closer, I proposed that we discuss the decentralization of the exercise of powers, beyond those safeguarding the union and cohesion of the Federal State and functionality of the government, aiming towards a more effective decision-making process, in line with the non-encroachment and subsidiarity principles.

This would allow us to present a more viable and functional settlement, since on the one hand it would help minimize the disruption in the daily lives of the citizens of both communities and on the other hand it would lead to solving the contested issue of effective participation and the insistence for a Turkish Cypriot positive vote in any federal institution / body / organ.

I truly wish that both our Turkish Cypriots compatriots and Turkey will respond positively to the new prospect that is unfolding again upon us, taking into account, in a comprehensive manner and without being selective, the provisions set by the Secretary-General at the Conference in Crans-Montana. At the same time, it is fundamental, for them to not insist on provisions which would adversely affect the sovereignty and independence of a united Cyprus and would establish a dysfunctional federal state.

On my own behalf, I wish to assure, once again, of my determination to work tirelessly to reach a comprehensive settlement that will finally reunify our island after 44 years of division, ensuring conditions of safety for the future generations of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, without any third country military troops or guarantees.

A settlement that will satisfy the genuine desire of our people, especially of the younger generations, to live together and peacefully co-exist, collaborate and prosper in a European country which fully respects their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

Excellency,

As regards the economy, following the severe economic crisis of 2013, Cyprus has achieved a return to positive growth rates since 2015. It is not an exaggeration to say that what has been achieved in a period of just a few years, is nothing short of a remarkable recovery, confirming the resilience and strong foundations of Cyprus’ economy and the excellent prospects of its key productive sectors. We currently enjoy a growth rate of around 3.8%, one of the highest in the EU, while macroeconomic forecasts project a robust growth of more than 3% in the years to come.

Furthermore, we have achieved consecutive balanced budgets, with primary surplus, while unemployment, which in 2013 had risen to 16%, has dropped to almost 7% and is expected to be reduced even further.

The banking system, re-focusing its operations and fully adhering to the strictest international transparency and compliance regulations, is now based on a stronger and healthier base in terms of capitalization, liquidity and profitability. Remarkable progress has been achieved with respect to non-performing loans as well.

In addition, we are pursuing significant reforms, amongst others, in the public administration, the welfare and health care system and in tax administration, while, simultaneously, we are enhancing the position of Cyprus as a competitive, stable and fully transparent business and investment destination, through enhancing our tax and legal frameworks and providing incentives for new entrepreneurial activities. 

The positive course of the Cypriot economy, as well as effective actions in the banking sector have strengthened the confidence of investors and of International Credit Rating Agencies, which is reflected by a number of successive upgrades, currently classifying Cyprus at the investment grade.

Even though Cyprus has yet to reach its full potential in terms of economic growth, I strongly believe that, as a result of the strong commitment and the joint efforts of the private and public sector alike, we are on the right track.

Our plan is to remain focused on maintaining and broadening the conditions under which surpluses and high growth rates can be generated, to continue promoting structural reforms and improving the country’s business environment.

Your Excellency,

I wish you every success in your important mission, aimed at achieving greater mutual understanding and providing new impetus to the development of the relations between our two countries.

In welcoming you to Cyprus, I would kindly request that you convey to His Excellency, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen,as well as to the amicable people of  Denmark our warmest greetings and a message of friendship and solidarity.

Ambassador Holm, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus and wish you a highly constructive and fruitful tenure.”      

(ML)