Ioannides: Cyprus a pillar of stability in Eastern Mediterranean

Cyprus is a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides said on Tuesday, adding that the Republic acts as a bridge of cooperation and peace in a sensitive region.

Speaking on behalf of the president during commemorations for the March 25 national anniversary at the church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, Ioannides said that in the current critical international climate, Cyprus is making full use of its European identity by establishing strong diplomatic ties with neighbouring states.

“In this way, the Republic consistently forms part of the solution and never part of the problem,” he said.

He also reiterated the government’s position that Cyprus is not alone, pointing to the swift response of countries such as Greece, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands as proof of European solidarity.

“This confirms that our country is a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said.

“With responsibility and consistency, the Republic acts as a bridge of cooperation and peace in a particularly sensitive region.”

Ioannides added that Cyprus continues its own struggle against Turkish occupation, describing it as different in means but not in essence from the struggle of 1821.

“It is a struggle for liberation and justice,” he said, noting that efforts continue to achieve a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem in line with international and European law.

Marking the anniversary of March 25, he said the present generation bears responsibility not only to honour the past but also to safeguard the values inherited from previous generations, including freedom, democracy and justice.

Referring to Cyprus’ contribution to the Greek War of Independence, Ioannides said that despite its distance from the main battlefields, the island responded to the national call, with Cypriots offering fighters, financial support and supplies.

“The cost, however, was heavy,” he said, referring to the events of July 9, 1821, when Archbishop Kyprianos, clergy and community leaders were executed by Ottoman authorities for their links to the revolutionary movement.

He said their sacrifice remains a powerful testament to the deep-rooted commitment to freedom and national identity in Cyprus.