The
President of the Republic receives
the
credentials of the new Ambassador of Iran
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 the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Reza
Zabib.
Presenting his credentials Dr Zabib said:
Presenting his credentials Dr Zabib said:
“Excellency,
It’s
a great pleasure for me to represent the Islamic Republic of Iran in
the Republic of Cyprus. I wish to extend the warmest greetings of
H.E. President Ruhani and his invitation for Your Excellency to visit
Tehran. While mandating me to this valuable mission, H.E. emphasized
the strengthening of bilateral relations and reiterated the
international and regional peace and prosperity as common goals of
our two nations living in this volatile region. In line with this
mandate, and having thoroughly studied different aspects of our
relations, a well-defined program is developed as a road map. I’m
confident that the kind support of Your Excellency and cooperation of
the relevant institutions in the Republic of Cyprus would guarantee
our success in turning a new page in the relation between the two
countries.
Excellency,
The
foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on values,
common interests and international law. Therefore, my country
supports principles of, inter alia, respect of human rights, peaceful
settlement of disputes, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the
democratically expressed will of nations; while rejecting the use of
force, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), terrorism and extremism in
international relations. In line with these principles, and just as
major examples, we have shown the outmost flexibility to reach a
negotiated solution with the 5+1 over the Iranian peaceful nuclear
program, while preserving our inalienable rights under the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and addressing
legitimate concerns. By the same token, we fully support a negotiated
solution to the Cyprus issue, leading to a united bi-communal,
bi-zonal federation with political equality. Therefore, we
congratulate both sides for reaching the Joint Declaration as a road
map toward a common and lasting peaceful destination.
Based
on such principles and facing such a critical time in the turbulent
region of the Middle East, President Ruhani proposed the W.A.V.E
(World Against Violence and Extremism) idea in the United Nations
General Assembly, which was unanimously welcomed by the international
community. Recent developments in the region reiterate the necessity
of collective efforts to materialize this internationally recognized
initiative as a common and inevitable goal. As a major victim of
violence and terrorism, we have started fighting this misery long
ago. Iran’s effective contribution to help our Persian Gulf
neighbor, the Iraqi government, fighting a barbaric terrorist cult,
is just another sign of readiness to help the international community
in this regard. We would remain ready to share our experiences with
our friends, particularly Cyprus as a friendly country located in
this region.”
Replying
the President of the Republic said:
“It
is with distinct pleasure and with feelings of genuine friendship
that I receive the Letters of Credence appointing you as the new
Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Cyprus
and to also accept the Letters of Recall of your predecessor. Be
assured, Excellency, that my Government will provide you with every
assistance in the performance of your high duties.
Cyprus
and Iran, due to their geographical proximity, share common
historical experiences from ancient times. Our two countries have
traditionally enjoyed sound bilateral relations. Recent developments
in the region of Middle East have underscored the need for closer
cooperation between our two countries. In this respect, I assure you
that it is my intention to further develop our relations on all
levels. In this context, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs will be visiting Tehran in the following month.
Excellency,
You
arrive in Cyprus at a crucial time in its history. The discovery of
vast reserves of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean has
revealed the region’s economic and political importance. The
efforts of Cyprus to explore and exploit the hydrocarbons that lie in
the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic, have opened new
opportunities and reinforce the strategic role Cyprus seeks to play
in the greater region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle
East as a center of economic and political stability, at a time when
the Middle East is in a state of uncertainty.
We
fully understand that Iran currently finds itself at an important
crossroads. Cyprus, as an EU member state fully supports the
diplomatic effort between our E3+3 partners and Iran to find a
peaceful, comprehensive and mutually agreeable settlement to the
Iranian nuclear issue. We sincerely hope that the new round of
nuclear talks will be fruitful and deliver a final result.
At
a time when the region of Middle East is under threat from the forces
of terrorism, extremism, and religious intolerance, a fully
integrated Iran can play a pivotal role in bringing stability to the
region and contribute towards the achievement of peace and security
for all the countries of the Middle East. Cyprus, as the nearest EU
member state to the Middle East, takes an active interest in the
developments of the region and is aware of the potential for
cooperation between Cyprus and Iran, and the overall benefits for the
whole region once the nuclear issue is finally settled.
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 bring stability and prosperity to a reunited
Cyprus and to its people, serve the legitimate interests and respect
the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots.
A
settlement which will safeguard the EU values and principles
throughout the island, with united Cyprus being an effective EU
member state and an important and stabilizing regional actor in the
Eastern Mediterranean that can utilize to the utmost its unique and
privileged geographical position – a bridge between Europe, the
Middle East, Africa and Asia -, particularly in light of the energy
transformation taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In
parallel, the Government, as the Joint Declaration of 11 February
2014 clearly states, also remains committed to the adoption of bold
Confidence Building Measures that will build trust between the two
communities and provide a dynamic impetus to the negotiating process
through restoring hope and confidence to the prospect of reaching a
fair, viable and mutually accepted settlement.
We
do hope that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side will adopt a
constructive stance, with good faith, not only as regards the mutual
benefits associated with the implementation of Confidence Building
Measures, but, and most importantly, to the efforts of reaching a
solution through undertaking practical and substantial steps that
will contribute effectively towards this end.
Excellency,
In welcoming you to
Cyprus, I wish you every success in the performance of your duties. I
would be grateful if you convey to the Government and the people of
the Islamic Republic of Iran, our warmest greetings for peace and
prosperity.”
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.
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