Kuwait’s new ambassador in Nicosia, Abdullah Turki Al-Turki, assured his country’s consistent support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the principles of international legitimacy.
The new ambassador on Tuesday, 7 July presented his credentials to President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides who pledged that further strengthening relations with Kuwait and the wider Gulf region remains a priority for Cyprus.
In his speech, Ambassador Alturki conveyed greetings from His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressing their collective wishes for the continued prosperity of the Cypriot people.
The Ambassador spoke of a relationship built on a bedrock of "longstanding friendship and mutual respect." He noted that while the ties between Kuwait and Cyprus have matured over many years, his mission is focused firmly on the future. He said that he has been entrusted by his government to scout for new opportunities, specifically aiming to deepen cooperation in the fields of investment, tourism, culture, and education.
Ambassador Alturki expressed Kuwait’s appreciation for Cyprus’s role on the international stage, particularly its efforts during its Presidency of the European Union, which he noted reflected a deep commitment to global dialogue and stability. To maintain this momentum, he emphasized the importance of continued high-level visits and direct contact between senior officials of both countries.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Ambassador reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering stance on the Cyprus problem. “I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the State of Kuwait's consistent support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the principles of international legitimacy, in a manner that safeguards the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus”, he said.
Mutual respect, trust, common understanding and shared values
Receiving the credentials, President Christodoulides said Cyprus and Kuwait enjoy longstanding relations of friendship, founded on mutual respect, trust, common understanding and shared values. President Christodoulides reminded Kuwait’s generous support following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, including its contribution to reconstruction efforts and to the work of the Committee on Missing Persons. “Such gestures of solidarity have left a lasting imprint on the friendship between our two countries and remain deeply appreciated by the people of Cyprus”, he remarked.
Cyprus and Kuwait share also important principles and values. We are both committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, good neighbourly relations and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Having both experienced violations of our sovereignty, said President Christodoulides, “we fully appreciate the indispensable role of international law as the cornerstone of international peace, security and stability”.
In this regard, President Christodoulides expressed Cyprus’ sincere appreciation for Kuwait’s principled and longstanding support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
President Christodoulides said “further strengthening relations with Kuwait and the wider Gulf region remains a priority for Cyprus. We see considerable scope to expand our cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, energy, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges. I also look forward to intensifying contacts at all levels and to further enriching our political dialogue”.
He also noted that as a member state of the European Union, “Cyprus remains a strong advocate of closer EU-Kuwait and EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations. During our Presidency of the Council of the EU, engagement with the Gulf region was among our key priorities, and we will continue to promote deeper cooperation in areas of mutual benefit”.
He also renewed his invitation to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait to pay a visit to Cyprus at a mutually convenient time.
(Source: CNA)
