Address by the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos
Anastasiades
at the 9th Cyprus - Russian Festival, in
Limassol
It is a great pleasure and privilege to be at the official opening
ceremony of the Ninth Cyprus-Russian Festival.
For almost a decade now, the Cyprus-Russian Festival has been
attracting thousands of people and has been firmly established not only as an
important event in Cyprus’ cultural calendar, but also as an annual celebration
of the solid and long-standing ties of friendship between our countries.
And by commemorating through this Festival the aspects of the rich
traditions of our peoples, we once more reaffirm the deep-rooted quality of
everything that unites us.
Before proceeding further, as the Festival takes place only two days
after the occasion of Russia’s National Day, I kindly ask you dear Ambassador
Osadchiy to convey my deep feelings of friendship to President Putin and my best
wishes for steady progress and prosperity to the friendly people of Russia. I
extent these wishes to all of you present here.
Cyprus and Russia share a historic relationship characterized by
sincere friendship and mutually beneficial collaborations that we greatly value,
including in the fields of economy, investment, trade and tourism.
This relationship, which is extended to a long-standing political
dialogue at the highest levels, is further entrenched through common cultural,
educational and religious bonds.
Meanwhile, many Russian friends have established a home in Cyprus.
These interpersonal links are immensely valuable as affinity between our peoples
is a symbolic emblem of our relations that have proven resilient and durable,
even when tried and tested.
With this opportunity, I would like to express my satisfaction and
gratitude for the support, confidence and the continuous display of trust by a
very large number of Russian citizens who have maintained businesses and
investments in Cyprus, during a particularly difficult period for our country.
Moreover, the ever increasing flow of high-quality Russian tourists to
the island is a trend that we greatly welcome and seek to promote further.
Further, I could not help but reiterate the sincere and deep
appreciation of the Government and the people of Cyprus for the consistent and
principled stance of the Russian Federation on the Cyprus issue.
I am convinced that the common intention and desire of our governments
is to continue upgrading and enriching the multifaceted relations between our
countries, both at the bilateral and the regional level, to the benefit of the
traditional friendship and solidarity between the Cypriot and the Russian
people.
In this respect, I wish to convey that my Government will exert every
effort of not only fostering even stronger links and practical collaboration between our
peoples, but also in utilizing the potential of our bilateral dialogue and cooperation between our
governments, especially during these times of ever increasing challenges.
This is all the more applicable if one bears in mind that the role of
the Russian Federation is of utmost significance for effectively dealing with
common challenges, with the aim of achieving geopolitical stability on an
international and regional level.
To this end, Cyprus, in its capacity as an EU member state has, as it
has already proven, the political will to contribute in a pragmatic and
constructive spirit to the establishment of confidence and mutually beneficial
cooperation in the wider European arena.
Before concluding, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations and
appreciation to the co-organisers of this event: the Russian Embassy and
particularly the contribution of Ambassador Osadchiy, the Russian newspaper VESTNIK KIPRA and the Limassol
Municipality. Moreover, I also feel obliged to thank the sponsors of the
Festival for their most valuable contribution and support.
In warmly welcoming all the Festival’s participants and guests, I am
confident that, just as in the past, you will have a memorable evening and you
will enjoy the exhibitions, shows, concerts, dance and song performances during
the Festival’s programme.
