As we are now entering an important period in the modern history of the United Kingdom, during which its future relationship with the EU will take shape, President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his “sincere commitment” to work with the British government towards forging an even closer and dynamic relationship with the UK, which for Cyprus is an important and valued partner.
In his address at an event hosted in Nicosia by the British High Commissioner Matthew Kidd in honour of the Queen’s official birthday, Anastasiades said that he was also “confident that the UK and the EU will find the best possible way for ensuring close and productive relations. We regret losing such a close partner within the European Union, but we fully respect the will of the British people.”
“This joyful event is not only a perfect occasion to pay tribute to the Queen’s dedicated leadership in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and beyond. It is also an occasion to confirm the close bonds and friendly relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the close cooperation between our countries in vast spectrum of fields.”
Anastasiades also conveyed the deep sorrow and sincere condolences of the government and the people of Cyprus to the people of the UK, and the families of the victims of the recent tragedy at Grenfell Tower.
“At the same time, recalling that during the last few months terrorism has tragically claimed the lives of many innocent people in the UK, I would like to express our solidarity, and reiterate that we will maintain our strong resolve to stand united against terrorism, and any action which aims at disrupting our lives and creating distrust and fear in our societies.”
The president said that Cyprus and the United Kingdom are bound together by historical bonds, which date back to the 12th century.
“Our bonds are founded on the extensive contacts between our peoples and our mutually beneficial socioeconomic interests, which long preceded the accession of our two countries in the EU and are based on common values, principles, ideals and interests.”
“In parallel, over the years we have worked closely and effectively on a wide range of issues of mutually-beneficial interest, both at the European and international level, including as partners in the Commonwealth. As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council and as an interested stakeholder to take part in the upcoming Conference on Cyprus [in Crans Montana], the solidarity and support of the UK in our efforts to effectively tackle the chapter of security and guarantees, and not just this of course, carries decisive weight.
“We strongly believe that progress in the said chapter, which, as the UN Secretary General has recently stated, is an essential element in reaching an overall agreement, will create sound prospects of further bridging the differences between the two sides during the discussions to follow thereafter, in order to achieve not just substantial progress, but even a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
“Our commitment to the vision of a reunited Cyprus is unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly, with dedication, to achieve a viable, functional settlement that truly reunites Cyprus and its people in a modern European country.”
Anastasiades also express his personal gratitude and deep appreciation to High Commissioner Matthew Kidd, whose tenure is coming to an end, “for all his diligent efforts towards enhancing our bilateral relations, admittedly a task not without its challenges.”
“It is certainly no coincidence that Matthew was recently awarded the Queen’s Birthday Honours, and in particular the Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for his exceptional services to the UK-Cyprus relations,” he concluded.
