Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
President Nikos Christodoulides formally received the credentials of five newly appointed ambassadors to the Republic of Cyprus during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Monday. The diplomats, representing Serbia, the Netherlands, Finland, Qatar, and France, were welcomed by the President, who assured them of his government’s full support as they embark on their new roles.
The newly accredited ambassadors include Ms. Suzana Bošković-Prodanović from the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ms. Päivi Peltokoski from the Republic of Finland, Mr. Yousef Sultan Laram from the State of Qatar, and Ms. Clélia Chevrier Kolačko from the Republic of France.
In his address, Christodoulides expressed his appreciation for the strong bilateral relationships between Cyprus and the respective countries. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in trade, security, culture, and education. The President further underlined Cyprus’ commitment to upholding international law and fostering peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
"On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, I warmly welcome you all to our country," said President Christodoulides. "We are committed to working closely with you to strengthen the already excellent ties between Cyprus and your nations. The government will provide its full support to ensure you can carry out your duties effectively during your tenure."
Christodoulides went on to underscore the unique roles that each of the ambassadors will play in further enhancing diplomatic cooperation and addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and international security.
Ms. Suzana Bošković-Prodanović, the new Serbian ambassador, noted the historically close relations between Serbia and Cyprus, reaffirming her country’s commitment to deepening ties on political, economic, and cultural fronts.
Similarly, Mr. Willem Wouter Plomp of the Netherlands emphasized his country’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and cooperation in fields such as renewable energy and technological innovation.
Finnish Ambassador Ms. Päivi Peltokoski highlighted the importance of EU cooperation, while Qatari Ambassador Mr. Yousef Sultan Laram reiterated Qatar's ongoing interest in fostering trade partnerships and investment opportunities with Cyprus.
Ms. Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, the new French ambassador, spoke of the enduring friendship between France and Cyprus, stressing that the two countries will continue to collaborate on issues of European security and defense.
The ceremony marked an important occasion for Cyprus, as the President reaffirmed the country’s role as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Christodoulides said the government is committed to promoting stability in the region and called on the ambassadors to explore new avenues for cooperation that benefit all parties.
The newly accredited diplomats will now begin their official duties, working with Cypriot officials to advance mutual interests across a range of sectors.
