of
the new Ambassador of Brazil
The
President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received today, at
a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the
new Ambassador of the Republic of Brazil, Μr
Appio Claudio Acquarone.
Presenting
his credentials Μr
Appio Claudio Acquarone said:
“Excellency,
I
am deeply honoured by the mission of representing Brazil in this
fascinating country. After 35 years in the Brazilian Foreign Service
in several parts in the world, I consider the position of Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cyprus to be a
very special assignment in my diplomatic career.
Cyprus and Brazil have come a long way
since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966. That was a
period of intense political activity and the world was immersed in
the bi-polar system that still lingered from the aftermath of the
Second World War.
It was a moment when both our
countries had to struggle to affirm their presence in the
international scene.
Since
that moment, Cyprus and Brazil have actively participated in the
construction of a new world. Even though coming from different
geographic conditions and from diverse cultural and linguistic
heritages, we followed the same path and shared several like-minded
positions in multilateral fora, based upon our common values of
self-determination, democracy and the rule of law.
Nowadays
the challenges come from other directions, but they are surely not
less demanding. The international economic crisis has touched us all,
being small or vast, rich or underdeveloped, in an alien turmoil
caused by the vain attempt to establish financial gains as the final
objective and not as the natural product of simple hard work, as we
have been practising in both our countries.
Excellency,
Brazil,
with just six hundred years of history, only has to learn from a
country which origins in the mist of times and, for centuries, has
survived with dignity all the attempts against its integrity. Today,
my country has the utmost confidence in the ability of the Republic
of Cyprus to seize the positive moment provided by the international
community to advance in the process of territorial unity and will be
proud to support any initiative to be taken by Cypriots in the
direction of peace and understanding. Brazil also welcomes the Joint
Declaration of the two leaders of February 2014 and supports the new
negotiating process that has resumed with a view to a settlement on
the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions and the High Level
Agreements.
Finally,
Excellency, let me end with my personal hope that the honour bestowed
on me by President Dilma Roussef to serve as Ambassador of Brazil to
your beautiful country shall give me the privilege of witnessing the
triumph of the Republic of Cyprus at this particular phase of its
history, reasserting its role as a beacon of stability and security
in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Replying,
President Anastasiades said:
“It is with great pleasure and
genuine feelings of friendship that I receive today your Letters of
Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador
of the Republic of
Brazil to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Letters of Recall of
your predecessor. Please accept my sincere congratulations on your
appointment. Ι
would like
to assure you that my
Government and I personally, will provide you with every assistance
in the performance of your high duties.
Our
two countries have over the years developed cordial and friendly
relations, which are reflected in our common membership and close
cooperation in international fora. This cooperation provides us with
a solid foundation on which we can build in order to even further
expand our two countries’ relations.
On a bilateral
basis, we envisage the completion of a number of bilateral agreements
currently underway, as a critical milestone in both advancing our two
countries’ economic and commercial ties, as well as in fostering
intercultural dialogue and people to people contacts.
Your Excellency,
Since
assuming my duties I have repeatedly reiterated my determination and
commitment to work diligently towards finding a viable and just
solution to the Cyprus problem; one that will secure the unity of
Cyprus and will serve, above all, the legitimate interests of the
Cypriot people.
The
adoption of the Joint Declaration on 11 February 2014, paved the way
for the resumption of full-fledged negotiations between the two
communities, under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations, aiming at a
comprehensive solution, in accordance with the High Level Agreements,
the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the EU principles
and values. In this process, we attach great importance to the
adoption of confidence building measures that are vital for building
trust between the two communities and restoring hope and confidence
in the prospect of reaching a fair, viable and mutually accepted
settlement.
The
support of the international community is also
important
for the successful conclusion of our efforts. Having this in mind, I
wish to extend my sincere appreciation for Brazil’s principled
stance on the Cyprus problem, as well as for its contribution to the
peacekeeping mission in Cyprus since 1995. Allow me to reaffirm my
Government’s unwavering commitment for
a solution that will reunify the island and will safeguard the human
rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.
Excellency,
Last year has been
critical for Cyprus,
as the Government and the people were faced with the painful
consequences of the restructuring of the economy. I am pleased to
inform you that the
efforts to
implement the agreed economic adjustment programme signed
with the Troika have been successful and positively assessed during
the relevant progress reviews. These first four positive results
reflect our collective determination not only to
return to the path of sustainable growth and development, but also to
exit the crisis with a resilient and robust economy.
The
Government remains fully aware of the challenges ahead and is
currently taking
measures
that aim to revitalize
the economy,
boost
investments
and create
jobs, while mitigating
the problems faced by the vulnerable groups of the population.
We already see the results in the banking sector, which, through its
restructuring and the implementation of a comprehensive action plan,
is emerging stronger, well-capitalized and viable.
The way forward is not easy, but I have absolute confidence that the
spirit of unity and the drive to succeed already demonstrated by the
people of Cyprus, will prevail.
Your
Excellency,
The
traditional ties of friendship between our two countries are based on
our common principles
and our shared commitment and respect of the universal values of
democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
I personally
look forward to working with you to further enhance and diversify our
cooperation to the mutual benefit of our two peoples and countries.
In
welcoming you to Cyprus, I would kindly request that you convey to
H.E. President Dilma Rousseff and to the friendly people of Brazil
our warmest greetings and a message of sincere amity and solidarity.”
Present
at the ceremony were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ioannis
Kasoulides, the Director of the Office of the President of the
Republic, Mr Panayiotis Antoniou and the Chief of Protocol, Mr
Nearchos Palas.
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