‘New chapter’ opened in Cyprus-Andorra relations

Andorran Foreign Minister Imma Tor Faus hailed the “opening of a new chapter” in relations between Andorra and Cyprus on Friday.

She was speaking following the signing of a memorandum of understanding for friendship and general cooperation between the two countries in Nicosia, with 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries set to be celebrated next year.

“The agreement we signed today is one that spans from education to culture to research and innovation and reflects our shared will to work together for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” she said.

She also emphasised the two countries’ “commitment to sustainability, and, in particular, sustainable tourism,” and said the agreement will allow for the strengthening of relations between entities in various sectors.

One of those sectors, she said, is financial services, in which she said, “the exchange of best practices will be of great value to both countries.”

“It is the Andorran government’s priority to strengthen relations with all the European Union’s member states, especially with those of which their size and particularities make it easier to understand the role and challenges of a small state like Andorra, even if Cyprus is large compared to Andorra,” she said.

She added, “Andorra and Cyprus share common values and priorities, especially in terms of gender equality.”

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos spoke of both countries’ “commitment to the values of public international law and multilateralism,” and added that “these are important parameters which set the framework for good bilateral relations.”

He said there is “significant room for improvement” in terms of trade and investment as well as in the education and service sectors between the two countries, and said he had he had discussed with Tor Faus “ways of how further progress can be achieved.”

He also informed her about the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem, and thanked both her and Andorra for its “principled stance in relation to what is a vital issue for Cyprus.”

“In all forums, we have seen the tangible support we receive from Andorra, and at this point we must publicly express our appreciation,” he added.

In addition, he said he had discussed “issues of common European interest”, and congratulated Tor Faus on the completion of negotiations for an association agreement between Andorra and the EU.

“Cyprus has reached the 20^th anniversary of its accession to the EU, and we are fully aware of the benefits which can arise from the participation or connection with the EU.

“These benefits exist not only at a state level, but primarily for its citizens, and this is something which Cyprus would like to confirm, reaffirm, and project this message to the Andorran people as well.”

Andorra is a landlocked country in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, home to around 81,000 people.

It is a co-principality, with two princes; the catholic Bishop of Urgell Joan-Enric Vives, and French President Emmanuel Macron.