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The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received credentials of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in Athens, Mr Soosuk Lim during a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Soosuk Lim, speaking in English, said:

“Mr President,

It is my great honour to present to Your Excellency the Letter of Credence appointing me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Cyprus. First of all, I wish to convey to Your Excellency the best wishes of H.E. Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, for Your Excellency’s good health and success, and for the prosperity of your great country.

This year marks 24 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Cyprus. Over the past years, a great stride has been made in furthering mutual cooperation in a variety of areas. The major political concerns, respectively the Korean Peninsula issue and Cyprus problem have brought the two countries closer, based on the affinity out of same historical background of division and the common national vision for reunification. The two countries have also demonstrated solid cooperation in an international arena, sharing universal values of liberal democracy and human rights. Bilateral trade volume has increased by 25% for the past ten years from 1.2 billion dollars in 2009 to 1.5 billion dollars in 2018. The Korea Gas Corporation’s investment in the development of offshore natural resources in Cyprus is expected to open a new horizon for economic ties. Last but not least, more Korean tourists find Cyprus as favourable travel destination.

Mr President,

The Korean Government has been making efforts to achieve the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula. The PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February 2018 served as a historic momentum toward rapprochement, by inducing Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to participate at the Olympics. Up to now, the South-North Korean leaders have held three summits during 2018. President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America has met Chairman Kim Jong Un of DPRK in June 2018 and in February 2019. The Panmunjeom Declaration after the first inter-Korean Summit on April 27, 2018 has laid out the framework agreement between the two Koreas: complete denuclearization, permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and improvement of inter-Korean relations. Despite some obstacles, the Korean Government remains committed to peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula. I would like to seek the continued unwavering support of Your Excellency and the Republic of Cyprus to the Korea’s path for peace.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere admiration that, under your excellent leadership, Cyprus has overcome the recent financial crisis shortly and returned to a robust economy boasting of over 4% growth rate. The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast and strong partner of the Republic of Cyprus’ efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue and in accordance with international Law and in line with the UN Charter and the relevant United Nations Resolutions. Dr Han Sungjoo as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus in 1996-1997 and Lieutenant General Whang Jin-ha as the Force Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in 2002-2003 are exemplary cases to that end. It is no exaggeration that Korea is in a unique position to cooperate with Cyrus to find a viable and lasting solution, as one of the only two divided countries in the world.

Mr President,

Lastly, I would like to express gratitude for all the support rendered by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for my predecessor, Mr Ahn Youngjip, in his endeavours to promote the ties of friendship between our two countries. I find much potential for widening the existing cordial relations. I would like to stress that, under Your Excellency’s trust and goodwill, I will carry out my assignment to deepen the bonds and foster amicable bilateral relations across the board, including vibrant trade and mutually beneficial economic relations, firm cooperation in dealing with regional and global challenges, more frequent cultural and educational exchange, and advancing people to people exchanges. Thank you.”

Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic said:

“Your Excellency,

It is with great pleasure that I receive today your Letters of Credence, appointing you as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Cyprus. Also, please accept my congratulations for your appointment and my sincere wishes for every success during your tenure.

Cyprus and the Republic of Korea share a solid and cordial friendship based on common values of international peace, security, rule of law and respect of human rights. We also share the same belief in the resolution of international problems and conflicts through peaceful means. Our persistence on inalienable principles and our commitment to the United Nations Charter gives further proof of the ideals that unite us for they constitute our fundamental defense in safeguarding our very existence.

Furthermore, I wish to express the support of my Government to your efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. I would like to assure you that Cyprus attaches great importance, not only to the maintenance of regional peace and stability, but also to the safeguarding of security. At the same time, we encourage the continuation of the Inter-Korean reconciliation process. The eventual reunification of the Korean Peninsula will bring about a win-win situation for the generations to come and enhance regional stability.

Your Excellency,

Our bilateral relations are constantly growing in all fields, especially in the energy sector which is of tremendous importance to both of us. The presence of the Korean company KOGAZ in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus is a further proof of the enhancement and deepening of our ties. Certainly, even more can be achieved by expanding our fruitful bilateral cooperation in fields such as health and technology, trade, investment, tourism and maritime and through the promotion of academic exchanges and people-to-people exchanges.

Moreover, Cyprus, as a member of the European Union, considers the Republic of Korea as a valuable and reliable partner in Asia, with an essential role in forging strong bonds between Asia and Europe by promoting regional cooperation and stability. In this regard, Cyprus will continue offering its support to Seoul for strengthening further its relations with the EU.

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.

Your 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,     

In concluding, Ambassador Lim Soosuk, I welcome you to Cyprus and would like to assure you of the support of myself and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus during the execution of your High Duties. Moreover, I  would kindly ask you to convey a  message  of  genuine  friendship  and  good  will  to  the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr Moon Jae-in, and also to his well being and that of the people of the Republic of Korea.

(MG)