Cyprus elevates maritime diplomacy with new Permanent Rep to IMO

In a significant diplomatic move, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Kyriacos Kouros, formally assumed his role as the country's new Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). During a private meeting held at the IMO's headquarters in London last week, Kouros presented his credentials to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

During the meeting, Kouros conveyed warm greetings from the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, to the IMO Secretary General. He reiterated Cyprus's unwavering support for the IMO's work and expressed confidence in the continuation of the cooperative relationship between Cyprus and the IMO.

Kouros also briefed the IMO Secretary-General on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue and President Christodoulides's efforts to revive talks aimed at resolving the long-standing problem and achieving reunification.

In response, the IMO Secretary-General warmly welcomed Kouros and extended his best wishes for success in his diplomatic mission. He expressed gratitude for the exemplary cooperation between the IMO and Cyprus, emphasizing Cyprus's importance as a key partner.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the relationship between Cyprus and the International Maritime Organization during the meeting.

The context of the Cyprus issue was also highlighted, with Cyprus remaining divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved. The latest round of negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. In response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, tasking her with seeking common ground on the way forward in resolving the Cyprus issue.

[With information from CNA]