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- Ελληνικά
I am delighted to participate in today's 125th anniversary event of the Bank of Cyprus, whose history is synonymous with the modern history of our country. Throughout this journey, the Bank of Cyprus, for us, for the Cypriot people, has not only been a Banking Institution. It was something much bigger and much more important. It was an engine of growth and a pillar of economic stability, it was one of the strongest ambassadors of our country abroad, it was the refuge of our people in extremely difficult times, it was and remains a part of the society of Cyprus, the Cypriot community, which draws its existence from the depths of history.
My presence here today, among other things, reflects the uninterrupted interest of the State and our Government in the continuous development and strengthening of our country's financial system. After all, as I have mentioned many times, the three pillars that determine all the decisions we have taken in these first 13 months of our governance, and what will determine our political actions during our governance, in addition to fiscal responsibility and continuous reforms, is a strong financial system.
In this context, I want to assure you that we approach the Bank of Cyprus and financial institutions as partners in the great effort we are making to promote a strong financial system. However, the challenges that we face, particularly the challenges for a small state with a mixed economy, in a region of particular geostrategic importance where good news, good news is not often seen, is something that we have to constantly bear in mind in this changing regional system and we have to, learning also from past mistakes, be clearly wiser and clearly more effective.
The painful experience of the past has taught us - and I am particularly glad that in the case of the Bank of Cyprus we have learned from all that has happened in Cyprus - to be more methodical, more authentic and certainly not to rest on our laurels.
At the same time, the international geopolitical and economic environment is extremely challenging, the competition is very strong, and that is why we have to study the data, chart a course, and be competitive through bold decisions and continuous reforms. I would like to take the opportunity of my presence here today to emphasise once again that - and I am glad to say this because we have common goals with the Bank of Cyprus, we are planning joint actions - the effort to restore our country's reputation and credibility abroad is a top priority for our Government and nothing will stop this effort. Only in this way will we be able to become a destination for quality investments with added value, which will also create quality jobs. In this effort we want you with us, beside us. Together we will work towards this common goal.
The 125th anniversary of the establishment and operation of the Bank of Cyprus coincides with two other important anniversaries for our country. The sad 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion, the consequences of which we are still experiencing today, and the 20th anniversary of the country's most important success, our accession to the great European family, our membership of the European Union (EU).
And I want to focus particularly on our accession to the EU, since our country's status as a full and equal member of the European Union, and later in 2008 of the Eurozone, places us at the hard core of political and economic developments that affect millions of people around the world. This opportunity, this opportunity, I want to assure you that we are trying to use it in its entirety, with a voice and a role in Brussels, which allows us to look to the future with more optimism and more confidence and to be able, because this is our goal, to use the full potential of the country.
Allow me to congratulate the management and the management of the Bank of Cyprus, all its executives, all its human resources. The bank's greatest asset is its human resources. Along with the congratulations and thanks, please accept a plea from me, from the State: I urge you - it is something that you have shown over the course of these 125 years - not to forget that Cypriot society paid a high price in 2013, with the well-known events, to support our banks. I am sure that in the context of your organisation's corporate responsibility, which I had the opportunity to see both as Minister of Foreign Affairs and as President of the Republic of Cyprus, you will continue to contribute to the great effort to support households and businesses, especially those in real need.
With these words, I wish you once again every success, in the certainty that the Bank of Cyprus will continue to be a dynamic presence in the years to come.
(PM/EATH/AF)
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