The President of the
Republic received the credentials
of the new High
Commissioner of Singapore
The
President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, received today, at
a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the
new High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore, stationed in
Singapore, Μr
Leong Horn Kee.
Presenting
his credentials Μr
Leong Horn Kee said:
“Your
Excellency,
Mr President
of
the
Republic
of Cyprus,
I
am
honoured
to
present
to
you
the
Letters
of
Credence,
accrediting
me
as
High
Commissioner
to
the
Republic
of
Cyprus.
Singapore
and
Cyprus
have
enjoyed
excellent
bilateral
relations
since
the
establishment
of
diplomatic
relations
in
1980.
The
Singapore
Government
is
fully
committed
to
strengthening
the
friendship
and
cooperation
between
our
two
countries.
On
the
occasion
of
my
accreditation,
I
would
like
to
reiterate
this
commitment.
The
friendship
between
Singapore
and
Cyprus
is
built
upon
the
strong
foundations
of
our
mutual
understanding
and
common
interests.
Both
our
countries
are
small,
young
nation-states
that
have
come
a
long
way
since
independence.
Cyprus
is
now
one
of
the
most
developed
countries
in
the
Mediterranean
region
and
a
strategic
player
in
the
EU.
Similarly,
Singapore
serves
the
international
community
as
a
regional
interlocutor
and
a
hub
for
Southeast
Asia.
There
is
much
scope
for
our
two
countries
to
work
together
and
deepen
our
bilateral
ties.
Singapore
and
Cyprus
both
have
longstanding
proud
maritime
traditions.
Both
our
countries
are
also
strategically
located
within
our
respective
neighbourhoods
to
serve
as regional
gateways.
We
look
forward
to
strengthening
our
bilateral
cooperation
with
Cyprus
in
areas
of
common
interest,
as
well
as
finding
new
and
exciting
possibilities
for
further
collaboration.
In
this
regard,
an
important
milestone
in
our
bilateral
relations
is
the
ratification
of
the
EU-Singapore
Free
Trade
Agreement
(EUSFTA).
The
EUSFTA
will
give
our
companies
improved
market
access
to
each
other’s
markets
and
also
greater
commercial
opportunities.
We
value
Cyprus’
continued
support
for
the
expeditious
ratification
of
the
agreement.
The quick
ratification
of
the
EUSFTA
will
be
a
positive
signal
for
businesses
and
also
boost
bilateral
trade
and
investment
flows.
Singapore’s
commitment
to
the
principles
of
sovereign
equality
is
demonstrated
in
her
consistent
support
of
the efforts
to
achieve
a peaceful,
just,
viable
and
lasting
solution
to
the
Cyprus
problem
within
the
framework
of the
relevant
UN
resolutions
and
High-level
Agreements.
I express
Singapore’s
satisfaction
at
the
adoption
on
11
February
2014
of
a joint
declaration
that
paves the
way
for the
resumption
of talks
to
reunify
the
island.
As
the
High
Commissioner
of
the
Republic
of
Singapore
to
the
Republic
of
Cyprus,
I
will
endeavour
to
do
my
utmost
in
furthering
the
bilateral
relations
and
cooperation
between
Singapore
and
Cyprus.
I
avail
myself
of
this
opportunity
to
convey
my
wishes
for
peace
and
prosperity
to
the
people
of Cyprus.”
Replying,
President Anastasiades said:
“Your
Excellency,
It is my pleasure to
welcome you today and receive your Letters of Credence as the new
High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Cyprus. I would
like to wish you the very best in your high duties.
Despite
the distance between Cyprus and Singapore, the two countries share a
common historical path which allows them to work closely in
international organizations and other fora. The progress that
Singapore has achieved after acquiring its independence is truly
remarkable, having become one of the most influential economies
around the globe.
As
regards our bilateral relations, established in 1979, a lot has been
achieved over the years and we are looking forward to deepening our
cooperation. Promoting common economic and commercial interests will
be constructive for both countries, including mutually beneficial
investments. In this respect, we hope for a successful conclusion of
the pending bilateral agreements,
specifically as regards merchant shipping, culture and tourism.
Singapore, as one of the
founding members of the ASEAN Organization, has an important role to
play in international affairs. Within this framework, I welcome the
prospect of furthering cooperation between the EU and Singapore, as
well as between the European Union and ASEAN.
Mr
High Commissioner,
I am convinced that the
reunification of Cyprus will undoubtedly have a positive impact on
the turbulent region of the Eastern Mediterranean, which is in much
need of security and prosperity. In this respect, I would like to
reiterate my commitment and resolve to work relentlessly towards
reaching a viable and lasting settlement based on the relevant United
Nations Resolutions, which would address the concerns of both
communities and of all Cypriots. As President of the Republic, I am
committed more than ever before to do my utmost in order to end the
division and reunify the island.
The Joint Declaration
earlier this year has established the framework of the new
negotiating process, reaffirmed the basic principles for a settlement
and clarified the methodology to be followed. In this framework, the
re-launching of negotiations under UN auspices, is properly and
thoroughly prepared and unequivocally conducted on the basis of
relevant UN resolutions providing for a bizonal, bicommunal
federation with political equality as defined in the said resolutions
with a single sovereignty, single citizenship and single
international personality. These objectives must be jointly and
clearly shared, so that the negotiating process will bear fruit. The
settlement must serve, above all, the legitimate interests of the
people of Cyprus as a whole. Their basic human rights and fundamental
freedoms must be restored, respected and protected.
Your Excellency,
I
would like to congratulate you once again upon the assumption of your
high duties. Furthermore, I would like to reassure my Government’s
full support and assistance in the course of your high duties. I
would also like to convey a message of warm friendship to the
President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Mr Tony Tan Keng Yam,
and my wishes for his personal health and for the well-being of the
people of your country.”
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.
