The President of the
Republic received the credentials
of
the new Ambassador of Poland
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 Poland, Ms Barbara Tuge-Erecinska.
Presenting
her credentials Ms Tuge-Erecinska said:
“Your
Excellency,
It is my great honour and
pleasure to present to you, Your Excellency, the Letters of Credence
signed by H.E. Bronislaw Komorowski, the President of the Republic of
Poland, who has appointed me the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cyprus.
Despite the long
geographical distance, the bilateral relations between our two
countries remain good and close. They follow the first ever visit of
the King of Cyprus Peter I to Krakow in the year 1364. These direct
contacts have developed further over the centuries. We will always
remember your friendship and hospitality towards the Polish soldiers
and refugees coming to Cyprus in 1940-1941.
On
the 1st
of May we celebrated the 10th
Anniversary of the Accession of Poland and Cyprus to the European
Union. Our countries joined the great family of the European nations
sharing common values. The membership of the European Union offers
many possibilities for closer political, economic and cultural
cooperation, for full participation of both our nations in bringing
the peoples of Europe together in peace and prosperity. On this
occasion I would like to emphasize the excellent and very effective
cooperation between Cyprus and Poland in the framework of the Trio of
the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It was a
historical opportunity for our states to take, for the very first
time, the responsibility for guiding EU affairs. I believe that we
passed this exam successfully, showing optimistic, constructive and
open approach.
Mr President,
The
Government of Poland fully supports efforts aimed at the economic
recovery of the Republic of Cyprus. There are signs that the efforts
taken by the Cypriot Government are bringing fruitful results.
Your Excellency,
The Government of Poland
lends its full support to the talks for unifying Cyprus, on the basis
of a bilateral bicommunal, federation with political equality as
described in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We
appreciate your Excellency’ s personal efforts in this regard,
which have already resulted in signing of the Joint Declaration. We
follow the ongoing negotiations with great interest and hope that
they will lead to a comprehensive and lasting solution to the
problem.
Mr President,
May
I convey to you and to the people of Cyprus the expression of my
highest respect and consideration from the President, the Government
and the people of Poland. Let me assure you of my strong commitment
to strengthening and developing the excellent relations between our
two nations at all possible levels.”
Replying, President
Anastasiades said:
“Your
Excellency,
It is with distinct
pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I receive today your
Letters of Credence as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Poland
to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the Letters of Recall of your
predecessor. Let me assure you that my Government and the people of
Cyprus will provide you with every assistance in the performance of
your high duties. I personally look forward to working with you, in
building upon the amicable relations between our countries.
Cyprus
and Poland share longstanding historic and cultural ties dating back
to the Middle Ages
when the Lusignan King Peter I of Cyprus visited Cracow in September
1364, while today a number of Polish citizens live
and work
in Cyprus.
I take this opportunity
to express my pleasure at the sound level of our bilateral relations,
based on concrete and trusting dialogue. The upcoming visit of
Minister Kasoulides to Warsaw provides an excellent opportunity to
renew our traditionally friendly ties and further enhance our
cooperation by also addressing challenges on the regional and
international fronts.
As
members of the European Union since 2004, Cyprus and Poland have
collaborated towards the promotion of a collective European agenda,
based on peace, democracy and security. The exceptional cooperation
during our common 18 month Trio Presidency reflects this realization
in the best way.
The
main challenge that lies ahead of us is to further build on these
foundations by expanding cooperation into new and varied levels, such
as energy, investments, business, maritime transport and defense and
security, through enhanced contacts and substantial collaboration
built on common values
and principles.
Currently, the political
landscape of the southern Mediterranean is going through historic
changes and unprecedented transformations increasing our role as EU
partners in securing peace stability and prosperity in this volatile
region.
Madame Ambassador,
With
reference to the economy of Cyprus, I would like to reaffirm my
Government’s commitment to implementing with determination and
without delays, the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with the
Troika
with the overall aim
of returning
to a sustainable growth path.
I am
pleased that this commitment is recognized by the Troika, following
the fourth review mission to Cyprus, which again acknowledged that
Cyprus’ programme remains on track. Our commitment is also
recognized by the Eurogroup, which
commended the Cypriot authorities’ continued prudence in budgetary
execution that had contributed to fiscal targets being safely met in
2013.
The progress achieved resulted in the Eurogroup’s endorsement, in
principle, of the disbursement
of the next tranche of financial assistance to CY.
In
general, the economy of Cyprus is expected to improve this year and
the next.
Despite
the positive results, the Government is fully aware of the challenges
ahead and is taking
measures
that aim to reinvigorate
the economy,
boost
investments
and create
jobs.
A campaign has been initiated to attract foreign investments.
Measures
have also been taken to support
SMEs,
tackle
rising unemployment numbers,
support
the tourism industry
and promote
social cohesion.
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.
Cyprus returned to
international markets on 18 June 2014, after raising 750 million
euros with its first public issue of bonds since 2011. Cyprus’
positive track record in the execution of the macro-financial
programme has played an important role in enhancing confidence and
permitting the successful return to the financial markets. The result
achieved is a clear vote of confidence for the Cypriot economy and
its prospects. The Government will continue with its economic reform
drive, and remains committed to regaining investors’ confidence and
returning to sustainable growth.
Your Excellency,
Your
arrival to Cyprus coincides with a critical juncture for our island.
Since I assumed my duties, I declared my intention to work
relentlessly aiming at finding a viable and just solution to the
Cyprus problem, which remains of top priority. The adoption of the
Joint Declaration on 11 February 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 α
comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the
High Level Agreements, the United Nations Security Council
Resolutions and the EU principles and values.
The
Government of Cyprus is determined to engage in a result-oriented
negotiating process with a view to achieving a settlement which will
serve, above all, the legitimate interests of the Cypriot people; a
settlement which will secure the unity of our country and the respect
of the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all its citizens. In
this process we attach great importance in the adoption of confidence
building measures which 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.
Excellency,
I am confident that
during your presence in the Republic of Cyprus the bilateral
relations of the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Poland will
further diversify and expand into new fields of cooperation.
In welcoming you to
Cyprus, I would kindly request that you convey to President Bronislaw
Komorowski and to the friendly people of Poland, our warm greetings
and a message of friendship and solidarity.
Lastly, I would like once
again to extend my heartfelt wishes and assure you once more of the
support of my Government to your valuable mission, so that your
tenure will be highly constructive and fruitful and carried out in
such a way that the sound relationship that Cyprus enjoys with Poland
will further flourish.
Ambassador
Barbara Tuge-Erecinska, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.”
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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