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I am delighted to join you in
celebrating Bastille Day. The 14th of July
marked the beginning of the French Revolution, a milestone in French,
European and world history. It is not only a historically significant day but
also a highly symbolic one as it marks the rebirth of a sovereign and
proud nation alongside with the establishment of universal values.
Liberty, equality and fraternity.
These three seemingly simple
words encapsulated the desires of the French people during the revolution,
but they have also defined a universal rallying cry about satisfying the
yearnings of millions around the world. They have defined and continue to
define the whole essence of how we should live our lives, operate as
societies and as neighbours.
Cyprus attaches
great importance to these values. We celebrate them but we also do not
take them for granted because we know how hard these ideals were to attain
and also how challenging it is to be maintained. They constitute the
foundation of true democracy and just like France, Cyprus is doing everything
in its power to safeguard them.
On this auspicious occasion, I
would like to take the opportunity to refer to the excellent level of our
bilateral relations and close cooperation, which, in recent years, is
witnessing a dynamic and steady growth, as reflected in the Strategic Agenda
signed in 2016.
My recent visit to France, just
a few weeks after taking office, and my meeting with President
Macron, attest to the fact that our relations with France have
become even closer and more enduring in recent
years. With President Macron, a true friend of Cyprus, we had the
opportunity to reiterate our common commitment to promote our bilateral
relations. We have discussed several ways to achieve this goal particularly
in the areas of economy, energy, defence, security, and education.
The participation of TOTAL in
the exploration of hydrocarbon deposits in the exclusive economic zone of
Cyprus, as well as the expansion of the French Cypriot School in
Lemesos since last September and of course our participation in the
International Organisation of “La
Francophonie” as a full member, are speaking examples of
this close cooperation between our two countries.
The strengthening of
cooperation between our countries is also reflected in the Agreement signed
last September concerning cooperation during evacuation operations in the context
of a crisis situation in the region of Middle East through the territory of
the Republic of Cyprus. This is an agreement that highlights the role that
Cyprus aims to play, as a pillar of peace and stability in a region that
suffers from successive crises.
At the same time, one of the
main pillars of our cooperation is defense and security where Cyprus and
France constitute strategic partners. Our countries participate in joint
exercises, while France is Cyprus’ leading defence capabilities
provider. At the same time, we continue to welcome French airship landings
and warship port calls to our facilities. In these turbulent times, our
enhanced security and defense cooperation is an essential part of our policy
and it is constantly evolving, both in the region and within the EU.
France is also one of our
closest partners within the European Union and together we take steps towards
a reinforced EU strategic autonomy, for a more geopolitical Union
that has a leading role in the world. Our countries already work
together to consolidate the common goal of a sovereign, geopolitical and
autonomous Europe, one that has the means to affirm its identity, a Europe
that is even stronger with more solidarity for all its members and its
citizens.
On this occasion, I wish to
express our gratitude once again to France for the solidarity and the
constant and firm support towards Cyprus in our efforts to reach a just
settlement of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of bizonal, bicommunal
federation with political equality, in line with the relevant Security
Council Resolutions. We also deeply appreciate the leading role of France in
the recent consultations at the Security Council.
As I stated in my meetings with
President Macron as well as with other European leaders, the Cyprus problem
is European and as such, de facto, the EU has a significant role to play.
This underpins my proposal for the EU to assume an even more active role in
facilitating and complementing the work of the UN, at all stages, including
at the current stage where efforts focus on breaking the deadlock and
returning to the negotiating table always under the auspices of the Good
Offices of the UN Secretary General.
Dear Ambassador, dear
Salina, France has proven, time and again, to be a valuable friend to Cyprus
especially in difficult times. I am certain that this support will continue,
and France will be a solid partner in our vision to reunify our country, for
the benefit of all Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenian, Latinos.
With these
thoughts allow me to raise my glass to the prosperity of the French
people and the further enhancement of our relations.
(RM/NG)
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