The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Cyprus, Ms Irena Lichnerowicz-Augustyn, signed today a Declaration of Intent by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Poland, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After the signing ceremoncy, Minister Christodoulides delivered the following Statement:
"Madam Ambassador, Dear Irena,
Dear friends,
We hold this ceremony in order to mark an important occasion, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Poland. Despite the extraordinary conditions created by the pandemic, we mark this auspicious occasion, and declare our commitment for ever stronger relations. Ambassador, I am certain, that when epidemiological conditions permit it, we shall celebrate this landmark in a fitting way.
On January 15th of 1961, a few months after the Republic of Cyprus became an independence State, Poland was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Cyprus and to open an Embassy in Nicosia. The first Polish diplomatic representative was Zygmunt Dworakowski who presented his credentials on June 14th of the same year. Subsequently, Dimos Hadjimiltis was appointed first Ambassador of Cyprus to Poland.
Ties between Cyprus and Poland can be traced back to at least the Middle Ages. Through the centuries, Cypriots and Poles have strengthened these ties, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the governments of our modern States paved the way to institutionalise the relationship and elevate it to new, unprecedented levels, as is nowadays reflected at the political, economic and cultural level and, most importantly perhaps, at the level of people to people contacts.
Our countries’ paths have crossed in recent times in significant and meaningful ways. Having joined the European Union together in 2004, and having also shared responsibility for successive EU Presidencies as members of the same Trio in 2012, Cyprus and Poland have been collaborating closer than ever before on the international arena, sharing a common concern and interest in the affairs of our Continent.
I am confident that relations between Cyprus and Poland will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come, benefitting our peoples and Europe as a whole. The 60th anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the evolution of these relations, to celebrate their achievements, and to consider new paths and initiatives to strengthen, enrich and deepen future cooperation.
The Declaration of Intent we have just signed, reaffirms our commitment to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation. We shall do so by promoting joint political, social and cultural events and have agreed on a commemorative logo which will be used during all the events organized during this celebratory year.
I take this opportunity to express our satisfaction for the confirmation of the official visit of H.E. the President of the Republic of Poland Mr. Andrzej Duda within 2021. I am certain the visit will give a boost to intensifying bilateral cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest, as well as expanding the institutional framework of our relations.
Before closing, I would like also to publicly acknowledge and pay tribute to the Ambassador and all her predecessors who have been accredited to Cyprus, similarly to all Cypriot Ambassadors who have been accredited to Poland over the past 60 years, as well as to the honorary consuls of both countries and to all groups or individuals active in various spheres. We thank them for their contribution to elevating Cyprus-Poland relations.
I look forward to visiting Poland in the coming months, and to working together to present a meaningful programme of events to celebrate the friendship of our countries and their people for the 60th anniversary of relations.
Thank you."