Government
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus share a special and unique bond that stems from our shared history, close people-to-people links and common values, including as members of the Commonwealth.
Today, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of Independence, I am proud to say that these bonds have never been stronger. Over the past year, we have seen even closer cooperation between our two countries, particularly in response to the on-going pandemic and with the arrangement on non-military development of the Sovereign Base Areas. Our ongoing bilateral co-operation in areas of education and tourism, trade and investment, and defence and security is of great benefit to our two countries and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus. We hope to deepen our bilateral relationship even further in the years to come.
It gives me great pleasure to send my congratulations on this day, together with my best wishes for the Government and people of the Republic of Cyprus.
Wendy Morton, Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas
Labour Party
On behalf of the Labour Party, we would like to send our heartfelt wishes to the Republic of Cyprus, its people and its diaspora on the 60th anniversary of its Independence. As a longstanding friend and supporter of the Republic of Cyprus, the Labour party recognises and celebrates its achievements over the past 60 years, including the strong people-to-people, trading and security partnerships. Whilst the Republic of Cyprus has faced a number of challenges since independence, it is a stable and predictable ally of the UK, in an otherwise troubled part of the world.
We also fully respect the special historic and treaty obligations that the UK has towards the Republic of Cyprus and therefore, on this anniversary, we would like to reiterate our steadfast commitment to the reunification of the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Whilst the current COVID pandemic prevents us celebrating in person, we are looking forward to doing so when circumstances permit.
Catherine West, Shadow Minister for Europe and Americas
Fabian Hamilton, Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament
Liberal Democrats
On behalf of the Liberal Democrats I would like to wish the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people a happy anniversary on their 60 years of independence. The people of our two countries have great links including the hundreds of thousands of Cypriots living in the UK as well as the thousands of British citizens living in Cyprus. It is great to see how over the past sixty years, our bilateral relations have grown from strength to strength, and I very much hope that they will continue to do so. The Liberal Democrats remain by the side of all Cypriot people, on their mission to secure a truly independent, free and united Cyprus, always in line with the United Nations resolutions and high-level agreements.
Sir Edward Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
APPG for Cyprus
As the Chairman and Officers of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus, we join the Republic of Cyprus, its people and the UK Cypriot community in celebrating this historic 60th anniversary of independence. We also pay tribute to the strong and lasting relationships that have been built with successive Presidents, Governments and Parliamentarians over the last 60 years.
The United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus have always enjoyed a strong and close bond of friendship and collaboration, across a number of sectors, as well as between the people of the two countries. Indeed, over the last 60 years the Republic of Cyprus has also shown itself to be a pillar of stability and a critical part of the UK’s security infrastructure, in the Eastern Mediterranean
On this anniversary, we are also reminded that the Republic of Cyprus has only been truly free and united for one-quarter of its existence. We therefore remain committed to supporting efforts to reunite Cyprus, in line with UN resolutions and High Level agreements, and we also strongly condemn any actions that seek to undermine the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
Wishing the Republic of Cyprus a very happy anniversary!
Sir Roger Gale, Chair of the APPG for Cyprus
Bambos Charalambous, Vice-Chair of the APPG for Cyprus
Christine Jardine, Vice-Chair of the APPG for Cyprus
Caroline Nokes, Vice-Chair of the APPG for Cyprus
Jack Dromey, Secretary of the APPG for Cyprus
National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
The 60th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus represents an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements and progress made by the state and people of Cyprus since 1960. I would therefore like to pay tribute to all Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus for their immense contribution to Cyprus’ growing national story. The Republic of Cyprus has defied the odds and the gravest of challenges to be a democratic, modern and stable nation, in an otherwise troubled part of the world. It is a proud member of the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Tragically, and as a result of Turkey’s illegal invasion in 1974, the Republic of Cyprus has only been free and united for less than a quarter of its existence. Not content with just the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey is now also laying claim to areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf of the Republic of Cyprus and undertaking illegal drilling activities. Despite facing such difficult challenges, Cyprus has remained a beacon of hope, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and wider region.
The 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom. I’d therefore also like to thank the countless British Parliamentarians who have opposed the ongoing occupation of Cyprus and stood beside the Republic of Cyprus throughout its first 60 years of existence.
Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK
