Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that Cyprus' 'responsible, outward-looking and multi-layered' foreign policy-together with efforts to strengthen all elements of the country's power, at home and abroad-aims to serve what he described as the state's highest national priority, the liberation and reunification of the island.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides expressed hope at the annual national and religious memorial service for fallen volunteer fighters and police officers, and at a prayer for those still missing from the 1963-1964 intercommunal violence, held at the Church of Agios Kassianos in Nicosia, that a new initiative now underway will lead as soon as possible to the resumption of substantive negotiations from where they were left off in 2017.
He stated that the objective is a viable and functional settlement that would genuinely reunite the country and its people, while further strengthening Cyprus' role internationally. "To achieve this goal, I will do everything possible," the President said, adding that the government's objective is clear and its political will "strong and unquestionable." He noted that this has been demonstrated since taking office through initiatives that have been recognised by the international community.
President Christodoulides highlighted that, alongside efforts to end the occupation and reunify Cyprus, the government is working to strengthen all elements of national power. Domestically, he mentioned efforts to build a strong and resilient economy; pursue bold and continuous reforms; modernise institutions; strengthen the rule of law; combat corruption; address migration; enhance the country's deterrent capabilities; invest in social welfare; and reinforce citizens' sense of security.
Internationally, he emphasized that Cyprus is acting "with deeds, not words," seeking an active role as a pillar of security and stability in the wider Middle East. He described the island's geographic position as a strategic advantage in a region marked by prolonged crises, portraying Cyprus as a consistent and responsible partner and a reliable safe haven.
Through specific initiatives, President Christodoulides stated, Cyprus is becoming a hub of stability, a transit point for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for humanitarian aid, and a "beacon" guiding the route to peace-"always part of the solution and never part of the problem."
The President added that the government's actions and initiatives are delivering results and will be stepped up during Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). As Chair, he said, Cyprus will work to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy, bring Europe closer to the region, and address citizens' day-to-day challenges, stressing that a stronger European Union also means a stronger Republic of Cyprus.
In conclusion, President Christodoulides expressed that active diplomacy, regional partnerships, humanitarian initiatives, geopolitical credibility, an upgraded international profile, and a strong, resilient economy directly reinforce efforts on the Cyprus issue. 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.