Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his commitment to a solution on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the relevant UNSC Resolutions.
He was addressing the new ambassadors to Cyprus of Georgia, Konstantine Kvachakidze, of the Sovereign Military Hospitalier Order of St. John Of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, Domenico Giani, and the new High Commissioner of India, Shri Manish, who presented their credentials in official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace on Monday.
President Christodoulides noted that, as he stressed since the very first day, he assumed office, working towards lasting peace in Cyprus was his ‘absolute priority’.
He also reiterated his commitment to a solution on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as prescribed in the respective UN Security Council Resolutions. A solution on the above basis, he added, was vitally important for Cyprus and all Cypriots, for all involved in the Cyprus pro
blem as well as for all international actors with vital interests for the security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the EU.
The President thanked the Ambassador of Georgia and the High Commissioner of India for their countries’ support in the efforts to resume negotiations.
The Georgian Ambassador noted that the relations between Georgia and the Republic of Cyprus, have transformed throughout the years into close friendship and partnership and that his main goal during his term will be to further enhance bilateral relations, including developing fruitful cooperation in various fields by preparing the legal base, exchanging visits and implementing joint projects. He expressed the conviction that there was real potential to further enhance trade and economic cooperation in various spheres including, but not limited to tourism, agriculture, the maritime sector, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He also expressed gratitude for Cyprus’s longstanding support towards Georgia’s European path.
India and Cyprus share a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect, friendship, and shared values of democracy, pluralism, and inclusivity, High Commissioner Manish said in his speech, noting that the two countries’ bilateral ties encompass a wide range of areas including trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He also said that India had three force commanders serving in Cyprus since the establishment of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), while, at present, one officer from the Indian Army is serving in the UNFICYP. In the current conditions, he added, UNFICYP’s role is imperative in ensuring stability, calm and an environment conducive to the efforts to resume the political process.
Ambassador Giani, said that the Republic of Cyprus and the Sovereign Order of Malta can contribute to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dialogue, supported by respective diplomatic efforts and initiatives. This is particularly relevant in the current historical context, addressing issues
such as the Gaza crisis, promoting religious freedom and human rights, preserving places of worship, managing migration flows, and addressing socio-health service gaps in the Mediterranean region, he added.
He noted that collaboration between Cyprus and the Sovereign Order of Malta, includes the Makarios Hospital project, in cooperation with the local municipality (Strovolos) and the Ministry of Health, for providing neonatal pediatric care and support for mothers, and assisting refugees through the Order’s medical and social activities in key countries for regional stability. As regards the latter, the Ambassador referred to the potential to develop a small medical centre outside the Pournara reception centre, for offering basic medical and nursing care.
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 in
conclusively. In January, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Columbia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue.
Source: Cyprus News Agency