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The confirmation ceremony of the first Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr. Nikos Christodoulides and members of the Government.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Republic said: "Today marks the launch of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, which we hope, among many other things, will contribute to the even more effective management of migration and refugee flows.
At the same time, we are implementing another important action of our governance programme in relation to a major issue with complex challenges and multiple specificities. An issue, the migration and refugee crisis, which is affecting many countries, particularly in Europe, and is causing multiple impacts, making it one of the most essential challenges for the European Union (EU) today. A challenge that, due to the wider unstable geopolitical environment, climate change, political instability in African countries and many other factors, will continue to concern both Europe and the international level.
From the first day of taking over the governance of the country, we have followed I feel particularly satisfied because to a large extent our objective has been achieved and our country is taking credit for the effectiveness of its policies.
Our planning was driven by specific actions, as we had promised through our pre-election programme: reducing flows, fast processing of asylum applications, immediate repatriation of non-beneficiaries and improving the infrastructure for hosting civil protection applicants.
In this context, despite the suffocating pressure our country has been under, the statistics reflect the correctness of the policies we have pursued over the last one and a half years and I am particularly pleased that the effectiveness of our actions is also recognised by Cypriot society. In particular. [/LIST]
At the same time, we attach great importance to the integration and social inclusion of migrants who are legally in our country. To this end, very soon the relevant Action Plan that we have prepared will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval and implementation. A Plan that includes 50 actions along five axes concerning housing, employment, skills improvement, education and health.
The Republic of Cyprus is first among the EU Member States in terms of the return rate and fourth in absolute terms. It was precisely in this context that competent European officials have recently repeatedly described our country as a European champion in returns, pointing out that our strategy is an example for other countries to follow. And it was precisely for this reason that last April the Minister of Interior was invited to present Cyprus' policy on returns at a Ministerial Meeting of the Belgian Presidency.
At the same time, as you know, very recently Cyprus took the initiative on the external dimension of migration by organizing a relevant Ministerial Meeting in Nicosia, essentially opening the debate on the designation of specific areas in Syria as safe, while at the same time being of crucial importance in addressing the migration issue.
At the same time, as you know, very recently Cyprus took the initiative on the external dimension of migration by organizing a relevant Ministerial Meeting in Nicosia, essentially opening the debate on the designation of specific areas in Syria as safe, while at the same time The Cypriot state is hospitable, and so is Cypriot society. We know about refugees, so we are more sensitive. But at the same time we demand that those who legally enjoy the hospitality of our country show the necessary respect for its laws.
Dear Mr. Deputy Minister, my friend Nicola, as of today you take over the newly created Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. You are taking over from Konstantinos Ioannou, who has set the bar very high and inevitably the demands will be high and the expectations even higher.
I am sure you are aware of the enormous challenges you will have to manage, but I have no doubt that you will meet them in full. Your academic qualifications, your professional experience as a legal adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on matters of public international and European law, but above all your integrity of character and your dedication are guarantees of my strong belief that you will rise to the tasks assigned to you. I am personally well aware of your capabilities from the cooperation we had when I was Foreign Minister and I am convinced that you will be able to serve our country with competence and efficiency from this demanding office. You will have the privilege of being the first Minister of State responsible for Immigration and International Protection.
We are therefore entrusting you with the reins of a very ambitious portfolio and I know that you and the team you will put together will be committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
You will shortly be attending the first meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers. I am sure that your presence will add value to the government and I am sure that through a collective effort we will achieve our ultimate goal, which is to be at the service of the people from whom we derive our power.
I invite you to keep the door of your Ministry of State open for the citizens. I also ask you to make sure that there is the necessary cooperation with the political forces, with the social partners, with non-governmental organisations and, in general, with all those who deal with issues in your portfolio.
Many times I have stressed that we may not have magic wands for immediate solutions. But we do have the sincere political will, programme and planning. And the positive performance so far in the management of migration proves that the planning and the methodical way in which we work brings results, which are recognised by the Cypriot people. The migration issue cannot be solved by the logic of extremes, i.e. neither open borders nor racist rhetoric. We have shown that we are acting in a prudent but decisive manner. We will continue this policy.
Always remember that we have a responsibility at all times to strengthen our State, for its security and the security of our citizens. We have a duty to create a prosperous country for all its citizens. We have a duty to build for our young people the future they deserve, so that we can repay the trust shown to us by the Cypriot citizen, regardless of social origin and ideological or party beliefs.
Dear Constantine, thank you very much for your professionalism and your methodical approach, for your decisive contribution to the results achieved so far, for the many constructive discussions we have had on this issue and how to promote with actions and not with words a holistic approach that brings results. As I mentioned, you have set the bar very high and I am absolutely confident that you will stand by Nicola's side."
For his part, the Deputy Minister of State for Immigration and International Protection said: "Your Excellency, Mr. President, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the great honour and confidence you have shown in me by entrusting me with the duties of Minister of State for Immigration and International Protection under the Presidency. As you know, this portfolio concerns the management of major issues both for our country and for the wider region. Therefore, the mission of the Deputy Ministry is critical and requires everyone's support.
Although the Deputy Ministry of Immigration and International Protection is newly established, it is not starting from scratch. Under the leadership of the President of the Republic, the current Government has developed a well thought out strategy which has produced tangible results. I would therefore like to thank the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Defence, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and all the competent services for the important work they have done so far. We will continue to implement the Government's programme in close cooperation with all relevant Ministries and Services.
I take on these important tasks with full awareness of the seriousness of the issues involved in this portfolio. I assure everyone that I will do my utmost to carry out this difficult task. The citizens of the Republic of Cyprus can be assured that I will safeguard the interests of the State within the framework of legality and with respect for the individual. After all, the authority granted by the Constitution and the laws to state officials is derived from the sovereign people, whom we must serve.
As experience teaches us, there are likely to be crises and additional difficulties along the way. However, with the serious work that has begun and will continue to be done, I am confident that we will meet them successfully. Rest assured that I will always act with the common good in mind and with a view to living up to expectations, successfully fulfilling this important mission entrusted to me by the President of the Republic."
(PM/MS/GC)
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