The 65th anniversary of the independence and establishment of the Republic of Cyprus was marked, on Thursday, during a ceremony at the historic Westminster Abbey, in London. The ceremony, which is held every year in honor of the member states of the Commonwealth, included prayers for the prosperity of the Cypriot people and for peace in the wider region.
As is traditionally the case, the flag of the Republic of Cyprus flew on the mast of the emblematic church, symbolizing the historic ties of Cyprus with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus, the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Kyriacos Kouros, was present and read a passage from the Holy Bible.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, members of the Cypriot diplomatic mission, as well as Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis.
Members of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK UK), participated at the event reaffirming the unbreakable bonds of the Cypriot diaspora with their homeland.
Representatives of Cypriot community organizations in the UK also attended it, highlighting the enduring and vibrant connection of the diaspora with Cyprus.