Cypriot envoy hopes for boost in relations

Qatar is to open its embassy in Nicosia, the capital of the island Republic of Cyprus, next month, the outgoing Cypriot Ambassador George C Kasoulides told Gulf Times yesterday.

Currently, the Qatari ambassador in Lebanon is also accredited to Cyprus. The opening of Qatar’s embassy will be a milestone in further improving bilateral relations between the two countries, Kasoulides said.

“The relationship between the two countries has strengthened over the last few years, especially since both countries have common interests on issues like human rights and environment,” said Kasoulides who is leaving Doha on August 31, on completion of his tour of duty in Qatar.

Cyprus opened its diplomatic mission in Doha in 2003 and it is the only Cypriot embassy in the whole GCC.

Kasoulides pointed out that his task “had been a peculiar one, since he had to start from scratch.”

The Cypriot community has expanded from a tiny 200 to over 800 since the ambassador first arrived here. And he hoped that more Cypriots will be coming to Qatar to offer their expertise, “Since this country is undergoing major infrastructure upgrades.”

“A few dozen Cypriot construction companies are engaged in road works and hospital buildings in Qatar. Many Qataris have been choosing Cyprus as their holiday destination and their numbers are increasing every year.

“I was surprised to find out that a large number of Qataris have had visited Cyprus and bought properties there before we even had an embassy in Doha,” said Kasoulides, who was Cyprus’s representative in the United Nations before coming to Qatar.

The outgoing envoy said Cyprus being now a member of the European Union, “Those who wish to visit our country are advised to get a Schengen visa.” The country will adopt Euro as its currency starting January 1, 2008.

The ambassador hoped the number of tourists from Qatar would increase, now that Qatar will have its own embassy in Cyprus. “We have also talked to Qatar Airways on starting a flight to Cyprus and have received favourable feedback from them,” he said.

The island state has been very popular amongst holiday-makers from the Middle East due to its geographical proximity and the familiar culture.

“The Cypriots are a hospitable lot. We might not be rich, but very welcoming to all. In fact to some Middle Easterners, Cyprus is like a second home. With a flexible taxation regime and investment-friendly policies, a large number of European businesses are relocating to Cyprus,” Kasoulides said.

On bringing the communities together, Kasoulides pointed out that the embassy has patronised a number of art exhibitions, paintings and bazaars, involving Cypriot artists. “My wife, a passionate musician herself, paved the way for more cross-cultural interaction within communities.”

“The open door policy of the embassy allowed any member of the Cypriot community - Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot - to walk in any time of the day,” said the ambassador who is now heading to his homeland after 10 years of service abroad.