Category: Cyprus News Agency

European institutions have congratulated Cyprus on its Independence Day with posts on social media, referring also to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in exactly three months’ time.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, made a post on X ,sending ‘warm greetings to the people of Cyprus on Independence Day as you celebrate freedom and peace.”

The European Council has also published a post on October 1st, explaining all about the anniversary to EU citizens wishing ‘Happy national day to all Cypriot people!”

The post explained that “the day marks the anniversary of the island’s independence from British rule in 1960. Independence was proclaimed on 16 August 1960, but the Cypriot government chose to celebrate it on 1 October.”

“The flag is the result of a competition launched in 1960. The orange colour of the map refers to the fact that Cyprus was one of the largest producers of copper in the ancient world. The two olive branches are a symbol of peace,” it added.

As regards the fort coming Cyprus’ Presidency, the European Council noted that “in exactly three months, Cyprus will be taking over the rotating presidency of the Council for the second time. For six months, Cyprus will chair meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work in the Council”.

Moreover, the European Statistical Office, Eurostat, has published an anniversary infographic on social media with data on Cyprus.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has received congratulatory messages from foreign officials on the occasion of the anniversary of Cyprus Independence Day.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that in recent years, under the leadership of President Christodoulides, Cyprus has steadily upgraded national development and the people’s living standards and has promoted scientific and technological innovation and green development. Positive results have been achieved in these areas, he noted.

He added that next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cyprus and the 5th anniversary of the strategic cooperation between the two countries, noting that he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations.

The Chinese President expressed his readiness to work with the Cypriot President “to further promote our traditional friendship, maintain our mutual respect and mutual trust, and continue to continuously enrich the China-Cyprus strategic cooperation that will further benefit the peoples of the two countries.”

In his message, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that the two countries enjoy a long history of strong friendship based on mutual respect and understanding and ongoing coordination on issues of common interest.

“It is our belief that through our efforts, we will be able to expand and strengthen our bilateral cooperation in various fields for the common benefit of our two peoples,” he said.

Christodoulides also received a message from US State Secretary, Marco Rubio, with the same content as that latter’s press statement on Cyprus’ National Day.

The Competitive Electricity Market was launched on Wednesday in Cyprus, with the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, stating that competition should reduce the cost of electricity for the consumers.

‘Today we first celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, and at the same time we celebrate the launch of the Competitive Electricity Market,’ said George Papanastasiou, on the sidelines of the military parade for the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus.

As he said, the decision for the Competitive Electricity Market was taken in 2019. ‘The market should have opened at least two years later. Instead, today, 2025, we are opening the market, which provides that, once it operates with all the elements of a competitive market, consumers will have (the option for) different suppliers,’ he added.

The Minister stated that through the Competitive Market ‘we want to see a cost-reflective production from Renewable Energy Sources, to see in the electricity mix a stronger and greater share of RES”. That is, to push electricity costs in Cyprus downwards, through increased use of RES-based production, he added.

Asked to comment the fact that for the time being there seems to be no interest in supplying household consumers, the Minister said that a free electricity market presupposes that any consumers must be a target for suppliers. ‘If suppliers choose that their priority is only businesses, no intervention can be made. We would like to see suppliers give incentives to household consumers, so that their customer mix does not consist only of targeted large businesses, but also of many households, because only then will we see a truly free and competitive market,’ he stressed.

George Papanastasiou emphasized the importance of competition. ‘There must be competition. At the moment there are 8-9 suppliers. All of them must compete with each other, they will buy electricity from various sources every half hour, like a stock exchange. They must buy smart, to sell smart, so that the cost of electricity for the final consumer receiving the product is reduced,’ he underlined.

Ministry of Defence will continue to make every effort to strengthen Cyprus’ defence and to upgrade its operational capabilities said Minister Vasilis Palmas, in press statements following the military parade for Cyprus’ Independence Day, in Nicosia on Wednesday.

He stressed that the government remains firmly committed to the modernization of the armed forces in order to be able to respond adequately and effectively to modern multi-level challenges and to continue being a pillar of cooperation and stability, as well as a reliable regional partner.

Palmas said that October 1st is a milestone in the modern history of our homeland and a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and vision of our people for freedom and independence.

He went on to say that today is a day of remembrance and reflection that calls us to honor the national struggles of the past and draw strength for the future. The Minister said that today we honor all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and all those who continue to work with dedication for our security.

Palmas referred to the decisive role played by the National Guard, describing it as the guardian of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

He congratulated all those who participated in today’s parade and thanked the Greek Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, for his presence which demonstrates, he said, the stable and unbreakable bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Greece.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, flies on Wednesday to Copenhagen where he will participate in the informal European Council, which will be held on October 1 and 2. He will also hold a series of meetings, among others, with Switzerland’s President, the NATO Secretary-General and Denmark’s Prime Minister.

Director of the President’s Press Office, Victoras Papadopoulos, has said in a written statement that early in the afternoon of October 1, President Christodoulides will participate in the Council meeting, about EU Security and Defence, while later he will take part in the discussion on the situation in Ukraine.

In the evening, President Christodoulides will attend a dinner hosted by the Danish royal couple in honour of the leaders of the states participating in the European Political Community.

On October 2, the President of the Republic will participate in the Plenary of the European Political Community, and in the debate on economic security.

Later on, President Christodoulides will hold separate bilateral meetings with the President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as well as with Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

He will then attend the closing proceedings of the Plenary.

On Friday, October 3, in the morning, President Christodoulides will have a meeting with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries.

The President will be accompanied in Copenhagen by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, the Director of the Presidential Press Office and other officials.

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, continues to receive congratulatory messages from leaders around the world on the occasion of the national anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

On Wednesday, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella sent a congratulatory message. In his message, the Italian President noted, among other things, that ‘Nicosia and Rome are bound by a strong friendship, which I had the privilege of witnessing personally during my visit to your country last year.’

‘Renewing the hope that a solution may soon be found for the best possible coexistence of communities in Cyprus within the framework of the relevant UN resolutions, I extend my warmest wishes for the prosperity of both yourself, Mr. President, and your fellow citizens,’ he said.

According to the Presidency, a congratulatory message was also sent by Pope Leo XIV. In his message, Pope Leo expressed his assurance ‘of my prayers for all in your country as it celebrates 65 years of independence. I ask Almighty God to strengthen Cyprus as it strives to preserve peace and promote the legitimate aspirations of all.’

President Christodoulides also received a congratulatory message from King Charles III of the United Kingdom. In his message, King Charles stated, among other things: ‘My spouse and I extend our warmest congratulations to you personally and to the people of the Republic of Cyprus on the occasion of Independence Day.’

He noted that while relations between the two countries continue to grow stronger, collective action is imperative in addressing the consequences of climate change. ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating fires in Cyprus, and I am grateful that British forces were able to support your competent Services in their efforts,’ he added.

Among others, congratulatory messages were also sent by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, President of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus celebrates on Wednesday the 65th anniversary of the declaration of its independence.

In the framework of the celebrations, a military parade will take place at 0900 in Nicosia. President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will take the salute, flanked by the House President Annita Demetriou, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, and the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas.

The parade will be held on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with the participation of various units and aircraft of the National Guard, the Cyprus Police, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence, the Department of Forests and the Public Health Services.

Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of foreign countries and other officials will also attend the military parade which is open to the public.

The parade will begin with a 21-gun salute.

Before the parade President Christodoulides, was scheduled to attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Imprisoned Graves, lay a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III at the Presidential Palace courtyard, and attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Democracy and Resistance ?onument, at the Presidential Palace Park.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, flies on Wednesday to Copenhagen where he will participate in the informal European Council, which will be held on October 1 and 2. He will also hold a series of meetings, among others, with Switzerland’s President, the NATO Secretary-General and Denmark’s Prime Minister.

Director of the President’s Press Office, Victoras Papadopoulos, has said in a written statement that early in the afternoon of October 1, President Christodoulides will participate in the Council meeting, about EU Security and Defence, while later he will take part in the discussion on the situation in Ukraine.

In the evening, President Christodoulides will attend a dinner hosted by the Danish royal couple in honour of the leaders of the states participating in the European Political Community.

On October 2, the President of the Republic will participate in the Plenary of the European Political Community, and in the debate on economic security.

Later on, President Christodoulides will hold separate bilateral meetings with the President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as well as with Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

He will then attend the closing proceedings of the Plenary.

On Friday, October 3, in the morning, President Christodoulides will have a meeting with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries.

The President will be accompanied in Copenhagen by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, the Director of the Presidential Press Office and other officials.

The current events within and beyond our borders, the 51-year-long illegal occupation of one-third of the island, as well as the ongoing Turkish provocations, allow no complacency, emphasized the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, in his daily order for the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

‘Having as a point of reference that the enemy is not at the gates but within the gates, we are obliged to operate 24 hours a day in a state of constant readiness, leaving no margin for inaction, in order to safeguard the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus on land, sea and air,’ the Chief of the National Guard underlined.

He noted that the anniversary of October 1st ‘serves as an inspiration for us to remain committed to our duty and mission,’ adding that ‘freedom is not given, and the path of struggle and sacrifice never ends.’

He also stated that October 1st marks the recognition of Cyprus as an independent state and its establishment as a sovereign and equal member of the Community of Nations.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The effort to strengthen the deterrent power of the National Guard will continue, President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, in press statements following the military parade, in Nicosia, for Cyprus’ Independence Day.

He also stressed that the struggle continues to achieve our highest goal, which is none other than the liberation of our homeland.

The President initially referred to today’s ritual because, he said, it is of particular importance for the new generations to know about it. He said that in the morning they visited the Imprisoned Graves to honor all those who fought and gave their lives for our country. EOKA anti-colonial liberation struggle heroes are buried there.

He also said that they laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace and at the Resistance Monument for those who fought against the Turkish rebellion in 1964 and in 1974 in order to defend the Republic of Cyprus. The President also said that the parade is taking place to honor those who today defend the Republic.

He went on to say that Cyprus today celebrates its 65th anniversary, adding that the country suffered as a young state, but managed thirty years later to become an EU member state, one that is constantly being upgraded.

President Christodoulides also noted that our duty today is to do everything possible to upgrade Cyprus Republic and to also achieve our highest goal which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland.

He continued by saying that at the same time, while striving for the goal of liberation, we have an obligation to strengthen with deeds and not with words all the power factors in Cyprus namely maintain a strong economy, rule of law, addressing corruption and all other challenges before us and internationally to have an open-minded foreign policy that proves that the Republic of Cyprus is part of the solutions to regional and international challenges.

He said that in this way the status of the Republic of Cyprus is further upgraded and, at the same time, we are also strengthening our negotiating status in relation to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President warmly congratulated those who participated in today’s parade, saying that we are truly proud of what we have today seen.

He noted that the strengthening of the deterrent power of the National Guard begins first and foremost with the officers and personnel of the National Guard upgrading.

He also said that today we saw some of Cyprus’ new armament programs, adding that the effort to acquire new military weapons will continue and will be strengthened even further, utilizing the means offered by the European Union and Cyprus’ collaborations with strategic partners such as the United States.

When asked about the messages sent by the presence of the Greek F-16 fighter jets, the President noted that the messages are clear about the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece, primarily for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Secondly, he said, Cyprus and Greece, as EU member states and states of the region prove in practice that they are pillars of security and stability.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.