Nicosia, Cyprus. Patriarch Aram I of Cicilia of the Armenian church on Wednesday decorated President Nikos Christodoulides with the Prince of Cicilia medal during a meeting in Nicosia. The award was presented as a gesture of gratitude for service towards Armenians.
Cyprus highlighted as regional bridge
Aram I said the world is marked by many conflicts and that Cyprus, because of its geographical and geopolitical position, is exposed to developments taking place particularly in the Middle East.
He said that in a time of globalisation, everything is interlinked, adding that conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and the Middle East more broadly have widespread impact.
The patriarch said Cyprus’ role must be that of a bridge between countries. Addressing Christodoulides, he said the president personally has that role and has a special relationship with Armenia and Lebanon, which he said he wished to see renewed and intensified.
Gratitude to Cyprus and its people
Aram I also referred to the Armenians living in Cyprus and expressed gratitude to the president, the government and the people of Cyprus for what they have done for the Armenian community.
He said the medal was an expression of love and gratitude towards Christodoulides, his government and the people of Cyprus.
President cites ties with Lebanon and the EU
Christodoulides said he was receiving the medal with great pride on behalf of the government and people of Cyprus.
He said Lebanon is the most important country in the region for Cyprus and recalled the 2016 Beirut port explosion, saying the blast was heard in Cyprus and was initially thought to be an earthquake on the island, which he said showed how close the two countries are.
The president also referred to the political ties between Cyprus and Lebanon, as well as the fact that Lebanon’s relations with the European Union were discussed during Cyprus’ EU presidency.
