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President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, accepting on Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassador of Portugal, Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira, described the relations between Cyprus and Portugal as excellent and friendly.
As partners of the South, Cyprus and Portugal continue to work closely to promote common interests and address common challenges within the European Union, he added.
Referring to Ukraine, he said that we stand by its side, expressing our strong support and respect for its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. He noted that what is of utmost importance at this point is to ensure, through diplomacy and dialogue, an immediate ceasefire to stop the tragic loss of innocent lives.
The President said that Cyprus and its people have their own tragic experiences of foreign invasion, following the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation since 1974 whose devastating consequences we are still experiencing today. He expressed his deep appreciation for Portugal's principled stand on the Cyprus problem and its consistent support to our efforts for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation, with political equality as defined in UN resolutions.
He said that this stand is particularly appreciated in the light of Turkey's stated position for a "two-state" solution and its overall aggressive behaviour in flagrant defiance of international law. The President added that Turkey is continuing its illegal plans in the fenced area of Varosha in full defiance of the relevant Security Council resolutions, despite the strong condemnation of the international community and its repeated calls for an immediate reversal of this course.
He referred to the CBMs he tabled, saying that they can build trust and greater cooperation between the two communities and serve as a catalyst for efforts to reach a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.
For her part, the new Ambassador of Portugal, Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira, said that Portugal and Cyprus contribute to the richness and diversity of the European Union, describing Portugal as a bridge and pillar of the transatlantic and global vision of Europe and Cyprus as a meeting point of many of the world's great cultures. Sequeira stressed that both countries can strengthen their bilateral relations on the basis of their maritime ties, their desire to transcend their geographical borders and their strong identity which transcends the physical boundaries of the nation and is expressed through their migrant communities on other continents.
He said he will do his utmost to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in both traditional sectors and in areas such as digital technology, renewable energy and shipping, adding that both countries will continue to strive for multilateralism, respect for human rights, dialogue and cooperation.
Sequeira noted that Portugal believes in the common goal of an independent, united Cyprus with sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with UNSC resolutions and EU laws and principles. A secure, stable and prosperous Cyprus will undoubtedly benefit all Cypriots, Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
In addition, he stated that Portugal and Cyprus have a special relationship with the sea. Portugal encourages the participation of Cyprus in the UN Oceans Conference co-organised by the governments of Portugal and Kenya to launch a new chapter in global action to protect the oceans, he concluded.
Source: CNA
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