Thailand is determined to find ways and means to further promote the bilateral trade and tourism with Cyprus, the new Ambassador of Thailand to Cyprus, based in Rome, Surapit Kirtiputra has said, while presenting his credentials to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.
The Ambassador pointed out that he is also determined in helping to conclude the ongoing negotiations on two Memorandums of Understanding on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports and on cooperation between the two foreign ministries, which would help promote official ties and visits as well as the exchange of views between the respective authorities.

He also expressed his hope that he will be able to promote the bilateral trade to a higher level and to promote more investment cooperation.

The Ambassador stressed that in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community will come into effect and thus Thailand will be a strategic gateway to the single market and production base of 600 million people. Doing business with Thailand has therefore greater potential, he said.
Ambassador   Kirtiputra also referred to the cultural interaction between the two countries and , noting that already there are a few hundreds of Thais in Cyprus – most of them are women who are married to and are being under good care of their Cypriot spouses as well as a number of Thai workers working in this country.

Referring to the Cyprus problem he said that his country joins the international community in supporting a lasting solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

He expressed hope that a settlement which would further bring about the reunification of Cyprus will finally be achieved through negotiation and this would definitely lead to stability and will open new windows of cooperation in the region.
Replying the President of the Republic noted that the two countries, in the past 34 years, have developed relations of concrete substance and trusting dialogue, based on their shared values and beliefs in justice and peace, evident by the excellent cooperation as expressed mainly at a multilateral level.
He assured that the Government’s priority is to work to reinforce our bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of business, commerce and investment.

President Anastasiades said that the successful conclusion of the Merchant Shipping and Tourism Agreements, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, will provide an increased impetus to further enhance our bilateral relations.

Moreover he added,  the fact that both countries constitute popular tourist attractions and destinations, provides an additional incentive to increase cooperation and share experiences in the field of tourism.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President said that the Government is determined to engage in a result-oriented negotiating process with a view to achieving a settlement which will serve, above all, the legitimate interests of the Cypriot people; a settlement which will secure the unity of our country and the respect of the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all its citizens.

In this process, he pointed out, the Government attaches great importance to the adoption of confidence building measures which are vital for building trust between the two communities and restoring hope and confidence in the prospect of reaching a fair, viable and mutually accepted settlement.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. UN-backed negotiations are currently underway with the aim to reunite the island under a federal roof.