The President of the Republic receives
the credentials
of the Ambassador of the Republic of
Panama
The President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received today,
at a formal ceremony, at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the
Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Republic of Cyprus, stationed in
Athens, Mrs Christina Eduvigis Liakopulos Falcon de Papadikis.
Presenting her credentials, the Ambassador
of Panama said:
“ I am honored and privileged to present this letter that His
Excellency the President of the Republic of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela
Rodriguez, and Her Excellency the Vice-President and Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Isabel De Saint Malo de Alvarado, address to His Excellency the
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, which accredits my
designation as Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus. At the same time, it is an
honor and a pleasure to convey the personal greetings of H.E. the President of
Panama and of the Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As I introduce myself formally to the
authorities of this country, I would like to express, on behalf of my Government
and the Panamanian citizens, my commitment to strengthening the bilateral
relations between our countries, by reinforcing the relations between our
Governments and fostering stronger ties in the fields of business, education,
science, among others. My mission during this period will focus on developing
the bonds between the member states of the European Union and Panama. As
Panamanians, we are aware of the EU-member states’ interest in the processes of
regional integration and their genuine resolve to consolidate their relations
with Latin American countries, especially Panama.
Panama supports dialogue and a
diplomatic path to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, which will
reunify Cyprus and safeguard the rights and interests of all Cypriots.
Finally, for all these reasons, I
anticipate the strengthening of the ties of friendship, cooperation, and respect
between our two nations. And, on the occasion, I take the opportunity to
communicate my sincere wishes for the welfare and prosperity of the noble
Cypriot people and their leaders”.
Receiving her credentials, the President of the
Republic said:
“Excellency,
It is with great pleasure and genuine feelings of friendship that I
receive today your Letter of Credence appointing you as the new Ambassador of
Panama to the Republic of Cyprus.
Ι
would like to assure you that my Government, will provide you with every assistance in
the performance of your duties.
Our two countries have over the years developed cordial and friendly
relations which are especially reflected in our close cooperation in international fora. This
cooperation provides us with a solid foundation in order to further expand and
enhance our bilateral relations. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2013 on
Establishing Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of our two
countries was a step forward in this direction.
Excellency,
The Cypriot economy is now emerging out
of its most challenging period to date. Last month, Cyprus has managed to
successfully complete the implementation of the macroeconomic adjustment
programme that was agreed with EU Institutions and IMF in March 2013. With
vision, detailed planning and prudence and with the responsible stance and hard
work of the Cypriot people, we made it possible to restore the credibility of
the state and the country’s financial sector, faster than anyone could have
predicted three years ago. 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 last three years are a prime
example of what can be achieved. In the first three months of 2013 the economy
registered a negative growth rate of -5.7 per cent that peaked at -6.5 per cent
in the second quarter of the same year.
Today, after almost four years of recession, the Cyprus economy returned
to positive economic growth rates by registering GDP growth of +1.6 per cent in
2015. Furthermore, in March 2013, the fiscal deficit was between five to six per
cent of GDP, while by the end of 2015 the government managed not only to cover
the deficit but also to record a primary surplus of 2.5 per cent of GDP.
Furthermore, the Government policies
and measures have resulted in the stabilization of the financial system which
was confirmed by the positive results of the pan-European stress tests of the
Quality of Assets and Resilience under adverse situations. 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. The completion
of the country’s adjustment programme is not the end of the road. We still need to tackle significant
challenges and continue our policy of changes, reforms and rationalisation of
public finances in a serious manner, sharpen our competitive edge and attract
foreign direct investments. Our ultimate goal is to achieve sustained growth and
prosperity for all Cypriots.
Excellency,
Since May 2015 we are engaging in
intensive negotiations to reach a comprehensive settlement on the Cyprus
problem. While a common understanding on an important number of issues has been
reached in the negotiating table, 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.
Your Excellency,
In welcoming you to Cyprus, I would
kindly request you to convey to the President of Panama, His Excellency Mr Juan
Carlos Varela, and to the friendly people of your country, our warmest greetings
and a message of sincere friendship and solidarity.
In concluding, Ambassador Cristina Eduvigis Liakopulos Falcon De
Papadikis I wish you every success in your important duties so that your
tenure can provide new impetus to the development of the relations between our
two countries”.
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.
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