Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed Tehran’s readiness to expand relations and cooperation with Cyprus across all areas of mutual interest, calling for joint efforts to bring bilateral ties in line with their longstanding historical background and existing potential.
President Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday, during a ceremony to receive the credentials of Antonis Mandritis, the newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Iran.
Noting the long history of relations between the two countries, the Iranian president said their current level of cooperation did not reflect the depth of their historical ties or the opportunities available.
President Pezeshkian expressed hope that the new ambassador would play an effective role in strengthening bilateral relations and helping deepen cooperation during his diplomatic mission.
Referring to international developments, he said humanity should focus on peaceful coexistence, kindness and constructive engagement rather than war, aggression and the use of force.
“Life is short, and it is not worthy of human beings to engage in war, aggression and bullying instead of striving for peaceful coexistence,” the president said, emphasizing the importance of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation to ensure peace and stability for nations.
Mandritis, for his part, described his appointment to Iran, which he called a great and historic country, as an honor.
Conveying warm greetings from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to his Iranian counterpart, the Iranian government, people and Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the ambassador said relations between Iran and Cyprus date back more than 1,000 years.
Mandritis pledged to make every effort to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation. He also highlighted Cyprus's commitment to regional and international peace and stability, saying his country would use its position in international forums, including the United Nations, to help reduce tensions and promote dialogue and cooperation among nations.