Amman — On the occasion of the 65th Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, the Embassy of Cyprus hosted on Tuesday a reception to mark the national celebration.
During his speech, Ambassador Sevag Avedissian expressed pride in commemorating Cyprus’s Independence Day in Jordan, a country he described as a close partner and a second home.
“Today we celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus, and I am extremely happy and proud that we do so in Jordan, a country with which Cyprus has excellent bilateral relations at all levels, a country that truly feels like home.”
The ambassador highlighted the strong ties between Cyprus and Jordan, recalling how Jordan was the first to respond to Cyprus’s urgent call for assistance during last summer’s devastating wildfires by dispatching firefighting helicopters, in addition to Royal Jordanian Air Force planes stationed on the island for firefighting purposed.
The ambassador also noted that many Jordanians consider Cyprus their second home, with a large number visiting the island frequently.
He pointed out the growing number of Jordanian students pursuing higher education in Cypriot universities and the increasing interest of Jordanian investors in Cyprus.
“Many Jordanians consider Cyprus their second home … and an increasing number of Jordanian students are choosing Cypriot universities for their higher education, and the same trend applies to businessmen investing in Cyprus.”
Avedissian announced that Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, with the Middle East and Jordan in particular, among its top priorities.
He emphasized that Cyprus looks forward to strengthening the multidimensional and dynamic partnership between the European Union and Jordan during its presidency.
Turning to regional and international issues, the ambassador expressed concern over the global climate of instability.
“Unfortunately, we live in cynical times, where military might and the illegal use of force often determine the agenda and the outcome, in contravention of the fundamental principles of international law,” he said. “The international community’s response to these violations must be the same; it cannot be selective. We cannot condemn one case of aggression and turn a blind eye to another.”
Reflecting on the division of Cyprus, Avedissian reminded the guests that since 1974, the island remained divided due to an ongoing illegal foreign military occupation.
“In other words,” he said, “51 out of the 65 years of its existence, the Republic of Cyprus has been under occupation and division.”
He attributed this “sad and unacceptable situation” to the aggressive and outdated policies of a neighboring country, which, he said, have resulted in the “presence of illegal settlers, the displacement of refugees and the internally displaced persons, the continued uncertainty surrounding missing persons, demographic changes and the destruction of cultural heritage, as well as the illegal sale and usurpationof refugees’ homes and properties.”
The ambassador raised the question of how long this situation could persist, reaffirming Cyprus’s determination to achieve a viable and lasting solution based on relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, one that would reunify the island, end the presence of foreign occupation forces, and ensure that Nicosia ceases to be the last divided capital in Europe.
The event was attended by diplomats, military attachés, government officials, media representatives, and members of the Jordanian community.
Cyprus Independence Day, celebrated annually on October 1, marks the end of British rule and the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
