Portugal's new Ambassador to Cyprus, Carmen Bagulho Silvestre, expressed her country's support for a viable, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) during the official ceremony for the presentation of her credentials that took place Tuesday at the Presidential Palace.
Bagulho Silvestre made the statements while presenting her credentials to President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday, 7 July.
She reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to an independent, united Cyprus, with sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and EU principles. She noted that Portugal, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, will make every effort to support efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, with full respect for international law, while expressing her hope for close cooperation with Cyprus within the Security Council and for strengthening the United Nations multilateral system.
The new ambassador also congratulated Cyprus on a highly successful Presidency of the Council of the EU, adding that “the emphasis you placed on autonomy and an open stance toward the world resonated well.”
She also said that the Cyprus Presidency dared to set us on this path with tangible progress, including in the complex negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, where we must agree on the financial resources that will allow us to meet growing challenges and pursue our goals in the critical years ahead. She added that the Cyprus Presidency has also promoted the important European simplification agenda, working tirelessly on the comprehensive packages of measures necessary to ensure our collective competitiveness.
Referring to the significance of the two countries’ membership in the EU, she said that it has contributed decisively to a better understanding between our institutions and our peoples. She also referred to the common goal on the preservation of the seas, noting that this shared bond will also guide Portugal during its presidency of the Group of Southern EU Member States—MED9—in 2027.
She also noted that contributing to a better understanding among nations is “perhaps the most valuable contribution that Portugal and Cyprus can offer both to the EU and to global affairs.”
In his response, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides expressed “sincere appreciation for Portugal’s long-standing and principled support for the reunification of Cyprus, based on the agreed United Nations framework, the relevant resolutions of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and the EU acquis.” He also congratulated Portugal on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, “a fact that reflects its ongoing contribution to international peace and security.” The president expressed his heartfelt congratulations on the appointment of Bagulho Silvestre and assured her of the full support of the government, as well as his own personal support, in fulfilling her mission.
Nikos Christodoulides also expressed his sincere appreciation for Portugal’s constructive cooperation and valuable support throughout the recent Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. “This close cooperation was yet another demonstration of the depth of our partnership" he said adding that "we now look forward with confidence to the continuation of this exceptional and fruitful cooperation, including during Portugal’s upcoming presidency of MED9 in 2027.”
He referred to the friendship and trust between the peoples of the two countries, noting that “our shared maritime vision, our deep-rooted commitment to democracy, international law, and multilateralism, as well as our common European identity, have consistently brought our countries closer together.” He added that his visit to Lisbon last year, the first bilateral visit by a President of the Republic of Cyprus to Portugal in several decades, “marked an important milestone and reflected our shared ambition to strengthen our cooperation.”
He referred to the further strengthening of the partnership between the two countries in the areas of trade and investment, the blue economy, and through the establishment of direct air links between our countries.
“In times of deep global uncertainty, we remain steadfastly committed to the values and principles that underpin the European project and to our cooperation for a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive Union,” he said.
The President also expressed his confidence that during Bagulho Silvestre’s tenure, the excellent relations between Cyprus and Portugal will continue to grow stronger.
(Source: CNA)
