Dr Hans-Peter Jugel, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Cyprus, presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nikos Christodoulides.
At the official ceremony, he delivered the following address to the President of the Republic of Cyprus: “Your Excellency, It is my great honor to present to you the credentials of the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has graciously appointed me as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Cyprus.
It is with great pleasure and firm European conviction that I take up my new post as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Cyprus. If I may, I would like to express my belief that deepening and expanding the close ties between our two countries, which are both committed to European values, democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, is of great importance.
In light of the numerous global challenges we face today, it is becoming increasingly apparent that maintaining strong ties within the European Union is of paramount importance. With the EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026, you and the Republic of Cyprus will have the responsible task of acting as an honest broker. Germany stands ready to do everything in its power to ensure that the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a complete success.
It is a source of great pleasure to acknowledge the state visit of Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier to the Republic of Cyprus from February 11 to 13, 2024. This visit, marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s accession to the European Union and the 50th anniversary of its de facto division, is an opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the close partnership we have built with a member state of the European Union, particularly in light of our unique political and geographical circumstances.
In times of global upheaval, our interconnectedness grows increasingly apparent. Your Excellency, I would like to express my agreement with you: We must continue to work together to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. It is of the utmost importance that we do not allow the international order to be revised, borders to be shifted by force, or international law to be suspended. We believe that our support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s war of aggression is of the utmost importance. In the interest of our collective security and the defense of our European values, it is essential that we enhance our responsibility and our capacity to act, including within the framework of the EU’s common security and defense policy. In this regard, it is essential to explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the European Union and the transatlantic alliance.
Cyprus is a reliable partner for Germany and a stabilizing force in the eastern Mediterranean. We would like to explore the possibility of expanding this cooperation in the future. It is important to acknowledge the significant role that Cyprus has played in organizing humanitarian aid to the conflict region, particularly for the people in Gaza who have endured tremendous suffering. Germany is also grateful for the active support by Cyprus in evacuating German and European nationals from the conflict region in the Middle East.
As a friend of Cyprus and its people, Germany is pleased to accompany and support the United Nations’ efforts to resume the negotiation process to resolve the Cyprus issue. In the context of our own history as a country that has experienced division, we respectfully accompany and support the process of reunification in Cyprus, acknowledging the unique historical context of that nation. As we once stood before the Berlin Wall, we now find ourselves in a similar situation in Nicosia, standing before the “green line” that divides us. It is unfortunate that the ongoing and deeply divisive reality of the island’s division is evident on the ground.
The resolutions of the UN Security Council offer a path forward, suggesting a “bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality.” Germany is pleased about the resumption of political talks. At the same time, we consider it essential to promote encounters and confidence-building measures between the people of the two communities. From Germany’s perspective, bi-communal projects such as Imagine and the work of the Committee on Missing Persons are therefore particularly valuable.
Germany and Cyprus enjoy a long-standing partnership and friendship. During my term in office, I would like to deepen Germany’s relations with Cyprus and work to promote cooperation on foreign, security, and defense policy issues, further intensify economic ties, and continuously strengthen our cultural relations. German companies and research institutions have demonstrated a strong and reliable commitment to investment and technology transfer, particularly in the areas of renewable energies, climate, and infrastructure. If I may, I would like to humbly express my interest in seeing our two countries work more closely together in the fields of education and culture.
I am eager to collaborate with you, your government, and the people of Cyprus. I believe that, working in close partnership and with a spirit of trust, we can successfully address the tasks and challenges that lie ahead. Mr. President, please allow me to convey best wishes from Germany to you and the people of the Republic of Cyprus."
(Photos: PIO)
