UK High Commissioner praises British expats
THE UK’s new High Commissioner in Cyprus, Irfan Siddique, has praised the contribution of British expats and the “Cypriot community in the UK” in fostering “bilateral ties”.
Mr Siddique, who replaced Stephen Lillie last month, made the comments on Monday as he started his third week in the island.
In video messages of him speaking in Turkish, Greek and English shared by the British High Commission on social media, he said:
“It’s an honour for me to be assuming my role as the new High Commissioner here in Cyprus.
“This island has a diverse history and great culture, and I am sure I have a lot to learn during my four-year term here.
“The UK and Cyprus share a wealth of bilateral ties and I’m very eager to build on this strong foundation so we can further expand our cooperation.
“Our expat community here and the Cypriot community in the UK contribute
hugely to our bilateral relationship and I’d like to extend my warmest regards to the tens of thousands of British expats who have made Cyprus their home.”
Referring to the Cyprus problem, Mr Siddique continued: “The UK, of course, as a guarantor power and, above all, as a close friend to all Cypriots, will continue to work for the reunification of Cyprus.”
Mr Siddique added that he is “looking forward to meeting many of you in person as I travel around the island”.