The
President of the Republic receives
the
credentials of the new Ambassador of Algeria
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 People’s Democratic Republic of
Algeria, based in Beirut, Mr Ahmed Bouziane.
Presenting his credentials, Mr Bouziane said:
“Mr
President,
I
have the great pleasure to present to Your Excellency the Letters of
Credence by which H.E., Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has appointed me as
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of
Cyprus, and also to present to Your Excellency the Letters of Recall
of my predecessor H.E., Mr Brahim Benaouda Haci.
On
the occasion of the 54th
anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Cyprus, I would
like to transmit the congratulations of H.E., Mr Abdelaziz
Bouteflika, to You personally and to the people of the Republic of
Cyprus joined with His best wishes of good health, happiness and
prosperity.
It
is an honor for me that the presentation of the Letters of Credence
coincides with the celebration of the 54th
anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Cyprus, and it
gives me the great pleasure to renew our best wishes. May the 54th
anniversary bring more stability and serenity to the friendly people
of Cyprus.
Algeria
fully supports the ongoing negotiations, under the United Nations
auspices, for reaching a just and viable solution, in line with the
relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and
international law.
Mr
Abdelaziz Bouteflika, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and
all the staff of the Algerian Government, confirm their willingness
to strengthen the relations and cooperation between Algeria and your
nice country in the benefit of the two peoples.
The
next visit of H.E., Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, to Algeria will certainly open new
fields of cooperation and reinforce our good relations.
I
am convinced that the greatest and long common heritage shared by our
Mediterranean community, with its best human values of solidarity and
tolerance, will indubitably enhance our cooperation and help us
establish an exemplary relationship in all fields, which leads to
making the Mediterranean a prosperous and peaceful area.
Those
are the important priorities on which l will focus my efforts during
my mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to your
nice country, the Republic of Cyprus.
Once
again, I would like to thank you, Mr President, for consecrating me a
part of your valuable time to meet with your venerable person”.
Replying,
the President of the Republic said:
“Your
Excellency,
It
is a great pleasure to receive today your Letters of Credence,
accrediting you as the new Ambassador of the People’s Democratic
Republic of Algeria to Cyprus, along with the Letters of Recall of
your predecessor. I wish to offer my sincere congratulations on your
appointment.
The
Government and the people of the Republic of Cyprus will provide you
with every assistance and support in the performance of your
important duties, aiming at deepening the ties between our two
countries.
Cyprus
and Algeria first developed friendly relations at the beginning of
the 1960s, when both our countries achieved their independence and
were closely involved in the Non-Aligned Movement. Bound by a shared
commitment to promote peace and stability in our region, Cyprus and
Algeria are cooperating in many international organizations and fora,
mainly within the United Nations and the Union for the Mediterranean.
Cyprus,
being at the south-eastern most corner of the European Union, places
great emphasis on the southern dimension of the European Neighborhood
Policy. In this context, let me assure you that we will continue
working towards the further advancement of EU- Algeria relations.
Your
Excellency,
The
recent discovery of significant quantities of hydrocarbons in the
Eastern Mediterranean, including within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic
Zone, created new opportunities for regional cooperation in the
energy sector, where Algeria has rich experience and expertise. In
this respect, we look forward to promoting energy cooperation with
Algeria, for the benefit and prosperity of our two peoples.
I
am convinced that the
next visit of the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs to Algiers will
contribute to the strengthening of our bilateral cooperation in new
areas of mutual interest.
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 serve the legitimate interests and respect
the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots and will
ensure the future of a united Cyprus within the European Union. In
this process we attach great importance to the adoption of bold
confidence building measures which are vital for building trust
between the two communities and restoring hope and confidence to the
prospect of reaching a fair, viable and mutually accepted settlement.
I
wish to emphasize Cyprus’
appreciation for Algeria’s principled stance regarding the
question of Cyprus and its commitment to international law and the UN
Charter, actively supported at international fora and the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Your Excellency,
In
welcoming you to Cyprus, I wish you every success in the performance
of your duties. I am kindly asking you to convey to the
Government
and the friendly people of People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
our warmest greetings and
a message of sincere amity and solidarity.”
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.
_____________
