SPEECH
BY SHRI K R NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS
FROM MRS REA YIORDAMLIS, HIGH COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE OF
THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER
27, 1997
Your Excellency,
I have great pleasure
in welcoming you to India and in accepting the Letter of Credence from
the President of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. Glafcos Clerides, accrediting you as
the High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic
of Cyprus to India. I congratulate you on your appointment.
Relations between
our two countries, have traditionally been close and friendly. The ideals
of democracy, justice and freedom, which our two peoples cherish, are
deeply embedded in our national character having been implanted by our
visionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Archbishop
Makarios.
The visit of your
President, Mr. Glafcos Clerides, earlier this year, enabled us to renew
contacts at the highest level and further the goodwill underlying our
relationship. There is however the need, and considerable scope to expand
the trade and economic ties between our two countries.
India's democracy
derives its strength from our people's abiding commitment to the twin
pillars of our democratic polity - secularism and social justice. Our
friendship with Cyprus has an abiding character because of the commitment
of both our countries towards building a pluralistic, democratic and egalitarian
social and political order. You have arrived in India in the 50th year
of our independence and will be able to observe the achievements of our
democracy and our endeavours to face the challenges that lie ahead.
High Commissioner,
we sincerely hope that the international community would achieve a just
and viable solution to the Cyprus problem in the near future and that
the people of Cyprus will be able to devote their energies for development
in conditions of peaceful co-existence. We are aware of the positive and
open attitude articulated by President Clerides during the above mentioned
negotiations. India has always consistently supported the sovereignty,
independence, unity, territorial integrity and non-aligned status of Cyprus.
We are very happy to note the commencement of accession talks for the
entry of Cyprus to the European Union early next year.
I should like to
assure you, High Commissioner, that in the performance of your duties,
you will have the full cooperation and support of the Government of India
and myself so that you may successfully continue the excellent work of
your predecessors.
I would request you
to convey to President Clerides, the Government and the people of the
Republic of Cyprus, warm greetings and a message of goodwill and friendship
on behalf of the people of India, the Government and myself.
Thank you
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