The question is not why has Cyprus established a diplomatic mission in Canada this year. Rather, it’s why has it taken so long? So says Cypriot High Commissioner Pavlos Anastasiades, the amiable head-of-mission who presented his credentials to Gov. Gen. David Johnston two weeks ago.
Prior to December, when the high commission was established in Canada, Cypriots were represented by the embassy of Cyprus in Washington, and Anastasiades was ambassador there between 2010 and 2013, with dual accreditation to Canada and the U.S. In short, he knows the issues and the country but can now fully immerse himself.
Pavlos Anastasiades, high commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus.
“When I was in Washington, I recommended that we establish a high commission here,” Anastasiades said. “Others asked for the same thing, and the government finally took the decision that, despite cuts across the board and specifically for diplomatic affairs, this was something that must happen. The decision was taken last year and within a few months, I’m here.”
The establishment of the high commission reflects the relationship between Canada and Cyprus and the commitment to deepening relations. He said there are many opportunities for both countries.
His priorities include strengthening trade, political and tourism ties. Trade levels are low, he said, partly because of the distance, but the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that Canada is signing with the EU will help that. In addition, Cyprus has recently discovered significant amounts of natural gas, as have Israel and Egypt. He said Canada’s vast experience in the energy sector could help Cyprus develop this resource through investment.
“Canadians have developed an innovative method of transporting natural gas that is quite cheap,” he said. “I look forward to working with those Canadian companies.”
Cyprus is also an ideal base of operations for Canadian companies wanting to work in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Anastasiades said. It’s a member of the EU, a member of the Commonwealth, an English-speaking country and one with a favourable taxation system for foreign investment and trade.
One of the most important links between Canada and Cyprus is the human dimension, he said, because Canadians arrived in Cyprus in 1964 as part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces. Tens of thousands served, including all Canadian regiments. In addition, 28 Canadians died between active duty and accidents. A monument in their honour was recently erected.
Academic links are also important to the high commissioner, who spent 10 years at University of Oxford as a senior scientific research officer following doctoral studies. Universities in Cyprus and Canada already have co-operation agreements and his task is to strengthen and widen those, he said.
“The rectors in two universities in Cyprus have Canadian connections, so I have very strong allies from that side,” he said. “That will be very important in sharing knowledge and developing co-operation projects.”
Politically speaking, he wants to enhance co-operation on peace and security, especially given that Cyprus is next door to Syria. Cyprus, being an island, is vulnerable to climate change, but it has been largely insulated from the current refugee and migrant crisis for the same geographic reason.
The primary issue for Cyprus, of course, is its dispute with Turkey, which gained de facto control of the north of the island in 1974. He said Cyprus aims to have Turkey withdraw its 40,000 troops, to restore Cyprus’s “independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
As Cyprus is looking for a federal solution from the UN, he said, Canada can offer advice on how its federal system has tackled its own issues.
A TASTE OF MOLDOVA
The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with Santé Restaurant, is holding an evening to promote Moldovan wine, cuisine and tourism. There will be display of unique paintings by well-known Moldovan journalist Vasile Botnary. Moldovan Ambassador Ala Beleavschi will host the dinner, which includes a four-course meal. Tickets cost $55 and can be reserved by calling (613) 241-7113.
Pakistani High Commissioner Tariq Azim Khan hosted a national day celebration March 23 at the Westin Hotel. From left, Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of international development and La Francophonie, and Khan.
Photograph by Ulle Baum
Hanna Homonai, wife of the Ukrainian ambassador, and Iryna Likarenko, wife of the embassy’s defence, military, air and naval attaché, organized a pysanka master class at the embassy on March 23, for spouses of ambassadors and military attachés. From left: Maria Teresa Faugiar (Mexico), Hedia Toumi (Tunisia) and Likarenko.
The embassy of Slovakia hosted a vernissage for an exhibition of paintings by Czechoslovakian-born artist Darina Boldizar. The show continues until April 31 at the embassy. From left, artist Darina Boldizar, Hyacintha (Jacka) Belloni and Slovakian Ambassador Andrej Droba.
The Embassy of Guatemala, in partnership with UNAM Canada and the Ottawa Gatineau Guatemalan Association, presented a photography exhibition titled Ephemeral art, traditions and historical heritage of Holy Week in Guatemala on March 22 at UNAM in Gatineau. From left: Guatemalan Ambassador Rita Claverie Sciolli and Ramón Peralta y Fabi, director UNAM’s extension school in Canada.
Gov. Gen David Johnston, received letters of credence from six new heads of mission March 22. From left, Gabonese Ambassador Sosthene Ngokila, Cypriot High Commissioner Pavlos Anastasiades, Iraqi Ambassador Abdul Kareem Toma Mehdi Kaab, Mauritian High Commissioner Sooroojdev Phokeer, Botswanan High Commissioner David John Newman, and Kyrgyz Ambassador Kadyr Toktogulov.
The annual Bulgarian Arts Festival launched April 3 at the Shenkman Arts Centre with an art exhibition, titled “Awakening,” dedicated to 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Canada. Featured artists included Daniela Zekina, Peter Bojadjiev, Victor Pavlov, Christina Tzekova, Krasimira Dimchevska, Svetoslav Tzekov, Venz Vesselinov, and Ralitsza Dencheva from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. From left: Elitza Yordanov, artistic director of the Bulgarian Arts Festival, and Bulgarian Ambassador Nikolay Milkov.
Greek Ambassador George L. Marcantonatos and his wife, Vassiliki Marcantonatou, hosted a reception in honour of Greece’s independence day on March 31 at the Hellenic Community Centre.
Jennifer Campbell is editor of Diplomat & International Canada magazine. Reach her at editor@diplomatonline.com