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The year 2022 marks the 50th
Anniversary of the Apollo XVII (17) mission, as well as the first Artemis
Mission, which was launched last November with the aim to return to lunar
exploration that had initially started with the Apollo missions.
Consequently, on this auspicious 50th anniversary it is with
feelings of gratitude and sincere appreciation that we receive today from the
US government, at this solemn ceremony at the Presidential Palace, a
geological sample of the Moon collected during the Apollo 17 lunar mission of
1972. This particular lunar sample, mounted on a wooden plague above a
flag of the Republic of Cyprus will be permanently and proudly displayed (in
the Presidential Palace) and will serve as another token of the strong bonds
that unite and characterize our two countries and people.
Since today’s event was
inspired by the Apollo 17 mission, which was concluded on December 19th 1972,
I would like to share with you a well-known short story on space
exploration: When the Eagle lunar lander carrying Neil Armstrong and
Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, Armstrong was the first one
out proclaiming for the ages: "That's one small step for man, one giant
leap for mankind. "I have the sense, dear guests, that the Cyprus - US
relations have taken giant leaps in the recent years, and these giant leaps
were possible by making small steps each time, day by day, month by month.
And today's occasion is just another example of a step closer towards the
enhancement of our bilateral relations.
In this respect, I am
particularly pleased to note the evolution and deepening of our bilateral
relations through the plethora of joint ventures and initiatives that
have taken place during the last few years including the signing of a
statement of Intent on Security Issues, our joint commitment and cooperation
in the fight against terrorism and the illegal trafficking
of drugs and human beings, the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy
Partnership Act, the US investment in CYCLOPS, the participation of the USA
in the 3+1 mechanisms, the renewal of the Science and Technology Cooperation
Agreement, to name a few. Furthermore, the involvement of US Energy giants
like Exxon Mobil, Noble and Chevron in our Exclusive Economic Zone and the
participation of the USA as an observer in the East Mediterranean Gas Forum
are tangible examples of US interest in our region and a vote of confidence
to the role that Cyprus can play in the energy field. Lastly, we welcomed
last fall the announcement of the State Department to lift the arms embargo
for the coming fiscal year as a political milestone and another testament of
the trust built between the two countries. As as President Anastasiades
rightly stated and I quote “This is a landmark decision, reflecting the
burgeoning strategic relations between the two countries, including in the
area of security” end of quote.
The close friendship and
collaboration between the Republic of Cyprus and the USA is characterized by
our common adherence to the rule of law, democratic values, respect of human
rights and freedom. Moreover, we work tirelessly to address challenges such
as the covid19 pandemic, terrorism, cyber and maritime security, climate
change – I know that this is an issue close to the heart for Ambassador
Garber, whilst one of our common objectives is the promotion of stability,
security and prosperity of the countries and the people of our region, the
Eastern Mediterranean.
Naturally, the greatest
challenge faced by all Cypriots is addressing the division of our country
caused by the illegal Turkish invasion and continuous occupation. In
this respect, I avail myself of this opportunity to express our sincere
appreciation for the USA’s principled stance on our efforts to reach a
viable, functional and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, a
settlement that will reunify the island and its people based on
the agreed UN framework of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political
equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions, and in
accordance to the international law and the values and principles of the
European Union.
Lastly, Dear Ambassador Garber,
Dear Judy, I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to your successful
assignment and in particular, to your tireless efforts during your tenure in
Cyprus to deepen and enhance the collaboration between our two countries in
various fields such as the political, economic, commercial, cultural,
scientific or in the area of energy and, security and defence.
I take thus this opportunity to
express, on behalf of President Anastasiades and the Government and people of
the Republic of Cyprus, as well as on my own behalf, our most heartfelt
gratitude and appreciation for all that you have achieved during your tenure
here and at the same time convey our warmest wishes for every success in your
future endeavours. We consider both you and Paul close friends and we
are all sad that you are leaving. Nevertheless, friends are always welcome
back home, to Cyprus.
Thank you.
Ευχαριστώ, κυρία Πρέσβη,
ευχαριστούμε αγαπητή Judy.
(Το κείμενο όπως απεστάλη από τη Βουλή των Αντιπροσώπων)
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