The
President of the Republic receives the credentials
of the
Ambassador of Honduras
The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades,
received today, at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials
of the Ambassador of Honduras to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in Tel Aviv,
Mr José Isaias Barahova Herrera.
Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Herrera
said:
“I come today, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of Honduras, headed by H.E. Juan Orlando Hernandez, President of the
Republic, and I am a carrier of his affectionate greeting and warm
manifestations for the welfare of the people and Government of the Republic of
Cyprus.
Cyprus and Honduras, are two Nations that live in
democracy and have established diplomatic relations since 7 February 2005,
sharing principles and values that ensure the welfare and development of both
peoples. The modern challenges, which are also global, force us to close ranks
between friendly Nations that have the willingness to cooperate and support each
other to contain threats, whether man-made, spontaneous, induced, or any other,
like for example climate change that today threatens the whole of mankind; and
in which the Nations that are most exposed and weak, possibly take the brunt.
It is in this context that I attend the ceremony of
presentation of letters of credence to your Excellency, carrying a message of
friendship from H.E. the President of the Republic of Honduras, Don Juan Orlando
Hernandez, whose Government has achieved, with enormous effort, to integrate
forces and wills both nationally and internationally to address the challenges
of climate change, poverty, insecurity, corruption, terrorism and organized
crime; as well as enhance internal forces and attract those friendly Nations
that are willing to contribute to generating the best opportunities for our
people, ensuring that they can find the conditions for a dignified existence
according to the targets of humanity, as the "Millennium Development Goals" and
the "Objectives of Sustainable Development".
Your Excellency, we believe that
bilateral relations between Cyprus and Honduras provide us with concrete
opportunities for mutual cooperation in fields such as tourism, in which Cyprus’
experience is valuable for Honduras; so it is in our interest to reach an
agreement of cooperation in this field. Also, the European Union Central
American Association Agreement (EU-CAAA) is an ideal platform to expand trade
between our countries. We recognize and applaud the cooperation that Cyprus
already performs as a member state of the European Union, of which Honduras is a
beneficiary.
For the Government of Honduras, it is of great
importance the strengthening of political ties with the Republic of Cyprus, so
we assign high priority to the establishment of a Mechanism for Bilateral Policy
Consultation and Mutual Cooperation, which allows us to know better and on time,
circumstances, needs and opportunities of mutual supportiveness between our
Governments and to act in a coordinated and effective way that supports the
achievement of our shared interests. There is no doubt that the support among
our democracies will contribute to development, stability and security of our
peoples.
His Excellency, Honduras recognizes the Republic of
Cyprus as a nation facing special challenges, arising from its history and its
geographic position. And we have noted with interest the course of the events,
which allows us to say that your country has made efforts to solve the challenge
that has existed since the beginning of its history as a State. Honduras and
Cyprus thrust for global peace and security. Along those lines both countries
recognize that confidence-building is an essential element to promote
coexistence, the respect for human rights, and economic development and growth,
to the benefit of their peoples.
As a fellow member of the United Nations, the Republic
of Honduras supports your ongoing efforts, under the auspices of the United
Nations’ Secretary General’s Good Offices
Mission, for a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem, based
on the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant Security Council
Resolutions. We are convinced that such a settlement will be to the benefit both
of the Cypriot people as a whole, as well as your wider region.
H.E. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of
Cyprus, I reiterate to you the warm greeting of H.E. Juan Orlando Hernandez,
President of Honduras; and I Myself express my pleasure for the honor of meeting
with you and represent my country to His Excellency and the people of the
Republic of Cyprus.”
Receiving the credentials, the President of the Republic
said:
“Your Excellency,
It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of
friendship that I receive today your Letters of Credence appointing you as the
new Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras to the Republic of Cyprus. I would
like to assure you that my Government will extend every assistance in the
performance of your high duties to further develop our bilateral relations.
Our countries have established relations based on our
shared values and beliefs of justice and peace, evident through our close
cooperation in international fora and especially within the UN. Our existing
bilateral relations undoubtedly provide a foundation to further promote our
cooperation in new areas, such as tourism, trade and education, as we are
certain that the prospects of furthering our cooperation are truly great.
Excellency,
Three years ago today, just after my election as
President of Cyprus, the country was faced with nothing less than economic
collapse. Today, I can proudly and confidently state that Cyprus has become a
success story of economic reform.
The combination of the resilience of the productive
sectors of our economy with a very determined effort of economic reform and
fiscal consolidation, was key to this success. The Cypriot economy is now
emerging out of its most challenging period to date. The last three years are a
prime example of what can be achieved with vision, detailed planning and
prudence. It is my belief that hard work and the common effort of the public and
the private sector can turn an economy in distress towards stability and
prosperity.
Our path to recovery has been faster than anyone could
have predicted three years ago. After almost four years of recession, the Cyprus
economy returned to positive economic growth rates in 2015 by registering GDP
growth of 1.6%.
With a restructured and fully recapitalized banking
sector - mainly through important international investors - fiscal imbalances
permanently addressed, and a program of radical structural reforms, Cyprus has
managed to access the international capital markets much earlier than any other
program country.
Looking ahead, we are confident that the economy will be
on solid ground in the medium and long term. Major goals of the Government for
2016 are to entrench growth and create conditions for sustainable development.
Our key policy priorities include: the macroeconomic and financial stability,
the promotion of structural reforms (including, inter alia, the reform of the
public service administration, health system, social policy and the promotion of
the privatization programme) as well as the promotion of investments.
The “shock therapy” imposed on Cyprus in 2013 was both
unprecedented and questionable. But my Government, given the circumstances, had
no option but to implement the Adjustment Programme. Today, we are in a position
to look forward to its successful completion this coming March.
We have learnt valuable lessons the hard way. We still
need to tackle significant challenges. And yet, we choose to see this crisis as
an opportunity. An opportunity to pursue reforms, to sharpen our competitive
edge, to attract foreign direct investments with the ultimate goal of achieving
sustained growth and prosperity for all Cypriots.
Your Excellency,
Since May 2015 we are engaging in intensive negotiations
to reach a comprehensive settlement on the Cyprus problem, with the aim of
creating a homeland of co-existence, peaceful co-operation and tolerance, in
full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, irrespective of gender,
racial origin, religion or belief.
While a common understanding on an important number of
issues has been reached, there are still remaining differences in all chapters
and we have yet to embark on substantive discussions in a number of core
issues.
At the same time, there are also issues on which even if
we reach a common understanding, the complexities associated with their
implementation require time and careful planning.
Thus, it is vital to be well-prepared and present to the
people a clear Plan, so as to avoid reaching a solution with considerable gaps
or ambiguities that will negatively affect its viability.
On my behalf, I would like to reiterate my sincere
willingness and determination to work tirelessly to achieve a settlement based
on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the
relevant Security Council Resolutions, the High Level Agreements and the Joint
Declaration of February 2014, with a single international legal personality, a
single sovereignty and a single citizenship. A viable and functional solution in
line with the European Union acquis, values and principles; a European solution
that will safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all
Cypriots.
It is our sincere hope that Turkey, an occupying force
in Cyprus, will demonstrate genuine political will to reach a settlement, not
via rhetoric assurances, but through the adoption of concrete steps which will
positively underpin the negotiating process and the climate of hope prevailing
in the island.
Excellency,
I sincerely wish you every success in your important
duties, aimed at achieving greater mutual understanding and providing new
impetus to the development of the relations between our two countries.
In welcoming you to Cyprus, Ambassador José Isaias
Barahona Herrera, I would kindly request that you convey to the President of
Honduras, His Excellency, Mr Juan Orlando Hernández, my warmest greetings and a
message of friendship and solidarity to the amicable people of Honduras.”
Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, the Head of Presidency at the Presidential
Palace, Mr Kypros Kyprianou, and the Chief of Protocol, Mr Marios
Kountourides.
__________________
Best regards,
