Warsaw: President of Poland Andrzej Duda expressed his country’s support for a Cyprus solution based on UN Security Council resolutions. He also congratulated Cyprus on its election to the UN Human Rights Council and highlighted the increased tourist flow from Poland, as well as the activity of the Polish archaeological mission on the island. Duda made these statements during an event where he received the credentials of the new Ambassador of Cyprus to Poland, Nikos P. Nicolaou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Duda referred to the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, describing it as a significant challenge with emphasis on EU enlargement and the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Polish President also mentioned the exchanges of visits of leaders in both countries, in 2021 and 2024.
Ambassador Nicolaou conveyed the warm greetings of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and expressed the commitment to further strengthen Cyprus-Poland relations. He noted that the two countries enjoy almost 64 years of diplomatic relations and both joined the EU in 2004. He also stated that Cyprus and Poland are part of the Trio EU Presidency.
The Ambassador briefed the President of Poland on the continuous efforts by President Christodoulides to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation in line with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and thanked Poland for its support. Furthermore, he highlighted Cyprus’ humanitarian initiatives, such as the “Amalthea” humanitarian corridor for Gaza, as well as the trilateral cooperation with Greece and countries in the region, to achieve stability and security in the Middle East.
Lastly, Ambassador Nicolaou laid a wreath at the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.