It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth for the signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus and the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation of the Republic of Cuba for Cooperation in the Field of Sports".
Today's event demonstrates in practice the will of the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Cuba to promote and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of sport.
Cyprus has traditionally enjoyed friendly relations with Cuba and it is our intention to strengthen these relations in the rapidly developing field of sport and physical education.
The Government of Cyprus attaches particular importance to the promotion of sport and the sporting spirit in general. Among the goals we have set is the further development of competitive sport, which we consider to be the best ambassador of our country abroad. To this end, we have set as a priority the effective support of our country's athletes, both at team and individual level. In this context, our effort for extroversion of Cypriot sport in the international arena is also included. Partnerships with other countries enhance the prestige of Cypriot sport, communicate its practices internationally and introduce innovative methods applied by other sports systems. Sport brings the peoples of the whole world closer together, fosters a spirit of peace and cooperation between peoples and is a tool for the exercise of foreign policy.
The Memorandum we are signing today seeks to upgrade our cooperation with Cuba on issues of mutual sporting interest, as well as to promote sports relations between the two countries at the highest possible level.
More specifically, this Memorandum of Understanding seeks to strengthen cooperation between the competent sports authorities of the two countries, through actions such as (a) the organization of sports events, (b) the participation of national sports teams and athletes in major tournaments of the two States, (c) the exchange of visits by athletes, sports delegations, coaches, experts, competent officials and specialists in the field of sport and physical education, (d) the exchange of invitations to athletes and sports delegations to participate in bilateral or international sports events to be organised in the two countries; (e) cooperation in the management and maintenance of sports facilities and equipment; and (f) the exchange of information and views on sports and physical education related issues and other areas of mutual interest, such as anti-doping control and information technologies in the field of sport.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the COA, which, as the competent authority responsible for the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding, took the initiative to draft the text of the Memorandum, in consultation with the Embassy of Cuba in Cyprus. Warm thanks also to the Ambassador of Cuba in Cyprus, Mr. Suarez Cordero, for his immediate response to this matter and his sincere will to further strengthen our bilateral relations.
I am confident that the MoU we are signing today will further develop our cooperation and will bear excellent fruits in the field of sport for both countries.
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