Nicosia, Cyprus – President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s reliance on international support for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long division of the island, during a ceremony Monday at the Presidential Palace where he formally accepted credentials from 15 new ambassadors and high commissioners.
Christodoulides emphasized the importance of a settlement based on relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and EU law and principles, stating, “We count on the support of the international community and of your countries to achieve a peaceful settlement in Cyprus…one that will send a resounding message throughout the region. that peace and stability are not distant aspirations, but living realities, able to prevail over division and conflict.”
The diplomats presenting their credentials represented Argentina, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Norway, Liberia, Cambodia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Luxembourg, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Canada. The President used the occasion to highlight specific aspects of bilateral relations with each nation.
He acknowledged Argentina’s contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), noting the sacrifices made by Argentine soldiers. He also expressed Cyprus’s desire to deepen cooperation with Indonesia, particularly within the frameworks of EU-Indonesia and EU-ASEAN relations. Regarding Burkina Faso, Christodoulides indicated a willingness to explore collaboration in education and cultural exchange. He further appreciated Burundi’s consistent support for Cypriot candidatures within the UN system.
Recent developments in defense collaboration with Norway were highlighted, elevating bilateral relations to a “new level of ambition,” according to the President. He also referenced a recent visit by the Cypriot Foreign Minister to Tanzania, which formalized bilateral relations through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding. Sri Lanka was noted for the positive contributions of its community to Cypriot society.
Christodoulides also expressed Cyprus’s readiness to enhance ties with Liberia, develop practical cooperation with Cambodia through dialogue and adherence to international law, and value Panama’s constructive engagement on the Security Council regarding the Cyprus issue. He further underscored Luxembourg’s support for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and its contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons. Canada’s steadfast support and contribution to UNFICYP were also acknowledged, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Several of the newly appointed ambassadors outlined their priorities. Argentine Ambassador Axel Wahnish affirmed his country’s commitment to UNFICYP and expressed interest in deepening cooperation in areas including security, energy, and education. Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Junimart Girsang highlighted the untapped potential in the bilateral relationship and anticipated strengthening partnerships with the EU during Cyprus’s upcoming EU Presidency in 2026. Norwegian Ambassador Harriet E. Berg reaffirmed her government’s support for Cyprus’s sovereignty and identified potential for increased trade, particularly in the maritime sector.
Cambodian Ambassador Chea Chanboribo advocated for deeper cooperation in education, culture, and tourism, while Panamanian Ambassador Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis noted the significance of 2025-2026 for Panama as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and highlighted the complementary strengths of Cyprus’s merchant fleet and Panama’s ship registry and canal. Luxembourg Ambassador Paul Schmit emphasized the importance of finding a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem and identified opportunities in trade and green technologies. Tanzanian High Commissioner Alex Gabriel Kallua and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Satyajit Arjuna Rodrigo both highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between their nations and Cyprus. Canadian High Commissioner Sonya Juanita Thissen reiterated Canada’s long-standing support for Cyprus and its role as a regional and European actor.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-led peace talks have repeatedly failed to produce a resolution, with the most recent attempt ending inconclusively in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
