The confirmation ceremony of the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Republic said that "exercising the powers granted to me by the Constitution, I proceed today with the appointment of Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides to the post of Foreign Minister.
A post which he has served with absolute success and professionalism, having always been guided by his contribution and the promotion of the well-meaning interests of our country, taking well-thought-out and targeted decisions at critical moments for Cyprus.
It is worth noting his enormous contribution to Cyprus' accession to the European Union, his contribution to the creation of trilateral cooperation, the substantial strengthening of our relations with the countries of the region, the UN Security Council and the wider region, as well as the decision he took to formulate the first National Security Strategy.
It is for these reasons that I would like to warmly thank Mr. It is for these reasons that I would like to warmly thank Mr. Kasoulides, because despite his decision to step down from state office, he accepted, in view of the difficult conditions our country is experiencing, to once again take the reins of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the same time, it is with regret that I am today parting with the services of one of my closest colleagues, whom I would like to thank for the close cooperation we have developed in recent years, as well as for the dedication and efficiency he has shown in the various positions I have entrusted to him, either as Director of my Diplomatic Office or as Government Spokesman and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I wish Niko all the best for the future and all the best on a family and personal level.
Dear Mr. Kasoulides, taking into account what I have said about you and your professionalism and zeal, I have no doubt that, on the basis of your proven experience, your broad knowledge of diplomatic processes, but also your sobriety, sobriety and realism, you will continue the rich and substantial work that you and your predecessor have accomplished.
Thank you once again for putting yourself at the service of our country."
For his part, Mr. President, I feel first of all that you have recalled me from reserve to active combat. I thank you warmly because I also understand the great importance of difficult moments so that there can be continuity.
After all, as you have rightly said, foreign policy does not change, after all, the President is the same whoever the Minister is, and we continue the same foreign policy, because the decisions on foreign policy under the Constitution are essentially those of the President of the Republic, which we carry out.
As I have said there will be no change in our foreign policy, but we may give more importance to some fronts. It may be necessary first to give more attention to the diplomats accredited in Cyprus. And one of the efforts of the Foreign Ministry is to go in that direction.
We should also give more importance within the bosom of the EU for solidarity from them to us and us to the EU and the member states. And this is something I will try to do considering that we are not a unilateral country. But otherwise I also want to express my congratulations to the work done by my predecessor Mr. Nikos Christodoulides and I reserve the right to say more about him at the time of delivery."
PM/EX/SX
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