The President of the Republic
receives
the credentials of the new Ambassador
of Montenegro
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 Montenegro, based in Athens, Mr Petar Popović.
Presenting his credentials Mr Popović
said:
“Your Excellency, Mr President,
I have the honor to convey the
greetings and good wishes of the President, the Government and the people of
Montenegro. I bring you the personal greetings of my President and the best
wishes for the well-being and happiness of Your Excellency and the people of the
friendly Republic of Cyprus.
I arrived here on the 2nd
October to represent my country and my President, His Excellency, Mr Filip
Vujanović, who has accredited me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
to your beautiful country, the Republic of Cyprus. Permit me, Excellency, to
present my Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of my predecessor.
Excellency,
The relations between our two countries
are well established and sound. Montenegro and the Republic of Cyprus
established diplomatic relations in 2007 and since then the cooperation between
the two countries has been strengthening in all areas.
It is Montenego’s sincere wish that the
division of Cyprus will be overcome soon. We are pleased to continue to support
Cypriots’ efforts to build trust and ensure the successful future of reunified
Cyprus. We are completely aware about the great determination that is needed to
pursue this goal, but at the same time, we are convinced it is worth the effort.
Montenegro welcomes the new negotiating process that has started between the two
communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices,
which aim at a comprehensive solution in accordance with the Joint Declaration
adopted by the two leaders on 11 February 2014, the United Nations Security
Council Resolutions and the EU principles and values.
Mr President,
I have four years to realize the
mandate my Government has set for me and my main tasks shall be to develop,
strengthen and enhance the relationships between Montenegro and the Republic of
Cyprus. I would be honored to work with the Cyprus side in accomplishing these
tasks. Together we can achieve more in the fields of economy, culture, political
relations and organizing high level visits.
Relations between our two countries are
diversified. Bilateral trade and economic ties have bigger potential. It will be
my hope to encourage increased trade, transit trade to other destinations in
Europe as well. Our excellent political relations could be further paved through
greater economic cooperation by founding a business friendship association
between Montenegro and the Republic of Cyprus.
Moreover, it will be my endeavor to
promote an increased cultural cooperation and mutual awareness of the rich
culture and heritage of both of our nations. There is a considerable interest in
Montenegro in bringing more tourists from the Republic of Cyprus and create
better connections and foundation for cooperation in this field as well.
I sincerely wish you and your country
peace, progress and prosperity, and look forward to enjoying full support from
you and your Government to advance our common agenda and deepen the strong
friendship of our countries.
Replying, the President of the Republic
said:
“Excellency,
It is with great pleasure that I
receive today your Letters of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of Montenegro to the Republic of Cyprus,
as well as the letters of recall of your predecessor. Please accept my hearty
congratulations for your appointment and my sincere wishes for every success in
your important work towards developing the relations between Montenegro and Cyprus.
I would like to assure you that my
Government and the people of Cyprus will provide you with all the assistance and
support you may require. I personally look forward to working with you to
building on our bilateral relations in a spirit of mutual understanding.
Cyprus and Montenegro enjoy a very good
level of bilateral relations, which, however, can be further enhanced. Within
this scope and continuing the work that your predecessor has started, I trust
that during your term, Cyprus and Montenegro can further expand the
areas of bilateral cooperation.
Cyprus strongly supported and
contributed constructively to the opening of Montenegro’s EU accession
negotiations. We follow closely and we are even ready to assist your efforts for
progress and reforms in order to conform to the acquis communautaire. I can
assure you that we will continue being supportive in this process, provided that
Montenegro continues taking the necessary measures towards this direction.
The Union for the Mediterranean is
another forum where we can develop our ties while also playing a crucial role in
the efforts to enhance cooperation and solidarity between the EU and the
countries of the wider Mediterranean region.
Your
Excellency,
Since February 2014, a new negotiating
process has started between the two communities, under the auspices of the UN
Secretary General’s Good Offices mission, aiming at a comprehensive solution of
the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the Joint Declaration adopted by the two
leaders on 11 February 2014, the High Level Agreements, the United Nations
Security Council Resolutions and the EU principles and values.
The Government of Cyprus remains
committed to continuing its efforts for a settlement which will serve the
legitimate interests and respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of
all Cypriots and will ensure the future of a united Cyprus within the European
Union. In this process we attach great importance to the adoption of confidence
building measures which are vital for building trust between the two communities
and restoring hope and confidence to the prospect of reaching a fair, viable and
mutually accepted settlement.
With reference to the economy, I would
like to reaffirm my Government’s commitment to fully implement the ambitious
adjustment programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund, the European
Central Bank and the European Commission.
A considerable progress since the
Eurogroup decisions of March 2013, has been achieved: the credit institutions
have been restructured and recapitalized; substantial fiscal consolidation has
been implemented; important structural reforms have been initiated; Cyprus
returned to international markets.
The cost of the crisis, however, has
been severe and painful on the people of Cyprus. I should mention an
unprecedented level of unemployment of 15.5% and a 40% among young people. While
significant progress has been achieved, the challenges remain. The economy is
undergoing a deep adjustment and more will be done to restore full confidence in
the economy.
Excellency,
In welcoming you to Cyprus, I would
kindly request that you convey to President Vujanović and the amicable people of
Montenegro our warmest greetings
and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity.
Ambassador Petar Popović, 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, Mr Panayiotis
Antoniou, and the Chief of Protocol, Mr Nearchos Palas.
