New High Commissioner: UK to continue its support for a just solution in Cyprus

The new UK High Commissioner to Cyprus, Irfan Siddiq, said that his country will continue to support the achievement of a just, democratic and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, stressing that a reunited Cyprus can achieve even greater things as a country.

Irfan Siddiq handed over his credentials to President Nicos Anastasiades on Wednesday at an official ceremony held at the Presidential Palace.

According to a statement from the Presidency, during the private meeting with Mr. Siddiq, President Anastasiades assured him that he would provide all assistance and support to him and his team in the performance of their duties and expressed the readiness of the Government and himself personally for close cooperation, with the aim of further deepening the bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom in all sectors and levels.

At the same time, the President of the Republic referred to the role of the United Kingdom as a Permanent Member of the Security Council in the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and reiterated his commitment to the efforts to resume talks to reach a comprehensive and workable solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN resolutions, international law and the principles and values of the European Union.

He also analyzed the proposed Confidence Building Measures, while referring to the ongoing Turkish provocations and illegal actions, both within the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus and on the ground, especially in the enclosed area of Varosha.

For his part, Mr. Siddiq said that it is a distinct honor and privilege to be appointed as High Commissioner and added that he looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations. He further pointed out that during President Anastasiades' tenure, relations between the two countries were strengthened, describing them as relations between partners.

He added that this new UK-Cyprus relationship is based on shared values, such as the rule of law, but also on the fact that both countries are liberal democracies. He also referred to their joint participation in the Commonwealth, their common institutional ties and common law system, as well as the excellent relations between the two peoples.

In addition, the British High Commissioner said that the British Government will continue to support the achievement of a just, democratic and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, stressing that a reunited Cyprus can achieve even greater achievements as a country.

Finally, both the President of the Republic and the High Commissioner referred to the significant contribution in terms of strengthening bilateral relations of the 300,000 Cypriots in the United Kingdom and the British living in the Republic of Cyprus.