6 The 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Slovak Republic celebrated in 2023, provides an opportunity to take stock of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and celebrate our common achievements of the past three decades. It is also a great opportunity to look ahead and set our common goals for the days to come. Based on our shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and our common dedication to multilateralism and international law, and the enduring ties between our people, Cyprus and Slovakia have succeeded, since 1993, in forging a strong relationship of cooperation and friendship. The opening of Slovakia’s diplomatic mission in Nicosia in 1993 and Cyprus’s diplomatic mission in Bratislava in 2010, have also played a significant role in bringing the two countries together and developing cooperation in various fields, such as culture, defense, education, and health to name a few. This cooperation has been further strengthened by the increased air connectivity between the two countries over the last years, especially in the fields of tourism and people-to-people contacts. The principled stance of Slovakia over the years on the Cyprus issue, and its support for a just and viable settlement of the issue, in accordance with the agreed framework of a Bizonal Bi-communal Federation as prescribed in UN Resolutions, as well as providing its good offices fostering the bi-communal dialogue between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have been highly valued. In addition, Slovakia’s major contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for over 20 years, has been of vital importance for the successful carrying out of the Force’s mission, as mandated by the UN Security Council resolutions as well as maintaining stability on the island. The Exhibition organised as well as the Photo Collection in this present booklet, offer an insight of the past 30 years of the excellent relationship between Cyprus and Slovakia that I hope will continue to flourish in the years to come. H.E. Dr. Kyriakos Kouros Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
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