President Nikos Christodoulides expressed pride and joy in participating in celebrations for Greece’s national holiday on March 25, 1821, alongside government officials and the wider Greek Cypriot community.
Speaking at the event, the president conveyed the warmest wishes and deepest gratitude of the Cypriot people to Greeks worldwide. He emphasised that the Greek War of Independence remains a universal symbol of the struggle for freedom that continues to inspire generations.
“The 1821 revolution, which ended nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule, fulfilled the Greek people’s longstanding aspiration for liberty. The fighters of that time remained true to the legacy of their ancestors, just as their predecessors had done at Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis,” he stated.
He underscored the significance of the revolutionary motto “freedom or death,” which not only defined the Greek nation’s identity but also deeply resonated with Greek Cypriots. Many Cypriots, he noted, fought and sacrificed their lives alongside their Greek brethren during the struggle for independence.
The president also highlighted the enduring ties between Cyprus and Greece, spanning society, culture, education, sports and daily life. “On this strong foundation, we have built an institutional and political partnership at the highest level, including close cooperation with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Greece’s political leadership,” he said.
Over the past two years, he noted, the two governments have institutionalised their cooperation through intergovernmental meetings, addressing various policy areas with positive outcomes for both nations. He also emphasised the importance of multilateral alliances with Greece and other states, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, energy and security.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the President reaffirmed Greece’s steadfast support for Cyprus, particularly in its efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue and end the division of the island. He stressed that Greece remains Cyprus’s most unwavering ally in the fight for reunification.
“In coordination with Greece, our European partners and key international actors, we are working to create the conditions for renewed negotiations based on the agreed framework and European principles,” he stated.
Despite ongoing challenges, he expressed confidence that the latest diplomatic efforts would serve as a starting point for ending the status quo and achieving a united Cyprus. “Our goal is clear and non-negotiable: a modern European state, free from guarantees, foreign troops and intervention rights – a nation where all residents can live in security, peace and prosperity,” he concluded.
He closed his address with a message of unity and celebration: “Happy independence day to Greeks everywhere.”
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