By Roy Lie Atjam.
His Excellency Dr. Spyros Attas, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, and Madam Domna Paschalidou-Attas hosted a reception to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
The festive event took place on October 1, 2025, in The Hague. Cyprus, formerly known as Kittim or Cethima, is an ancient country strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Throughout history, many world powers, including the Crusaders, have sought to dominate this territory. It was a former British colony that gained independence in 1960 and joined the European Union in 2004.
Ambassador Dr. Spyros Attas addressed the guests, sharing light moments during his speech.
“I would like first to extend a warm welcome to the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr George Savvides, and the Deputy Attorney General, Mr Savvas Angelides, who are present with us at this reception; it is an honour to have you here.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Spyros Attas thanked the members of the Jazz Trio, led by Marios Charalambous, who performed the national anthems of Cyprus and the Netherlands in a very creative and engaging way. The members of the trio are: Marios Charalambous (Cyprus) on saxophone, Evan van der Feen on double bass, and Arjun Ramdas on keyboard.
“My friends, our country, born out of a bitter anti-colonial struggle in 1960, has preserved its independence in the face of exceptionally difficult circumstances, many of which persist to this day. As the Ambassador of Cyprus to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, I am proud to represent a democratic nation, member of the European Union, and to promote the values we hold in common: respect for the rule of law, human rights and freedom, respect for the UN Charter and international law.
Given its geostrategic location, Cyprus has made it a national priority to offer assistance in times of crisis to all those in need. We were pleased to facilitate the Netherlands and other nations in their humanitarian evacuation operations from Sudan and Lebanon in recent years, ensuring the safe return of their citizens. This exemplary cooperation culminated in an exchange of visits at the level of Heads of State, the latest being that of the visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Cyprus last March. The visit of Their Majesties constitutes a milestone to our already existing excellent relations. There are many fields in which we cooperate, such as research, agriculture, and tourism.
We work together with the Netherlands, in advancing shared objectives both within the European Union and globally. Many Cypriot citizens, especially our young generation, choose this country for their university studies and often stay to pursue their careers. A brilliant example is no-other than the Marios Charalambous jazz trio performing for us today, and many others.
Cyprus also takes pride in its achievements in various sectors, including science, business, and shipping. Our vision is one of strength through cooperation with like-minded partners, in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. However, Cyprus faces one of the gravest challenges in its history, which threatens its very existence as an independent country and even the physical existence of its people.
More than one-third of its territory remains under illegal military occupation by Turkey. For 51 years, the Republic of Cyprus and its people have endured much suffering, including gross violations of human rights and ethnic cleansing, by being subjected to the first forcible attempt to change borders in Europe since the Second World War.
As a consequence of its own experience, Cyprus, fully understands the struggles of other nations facing aggression. It would be hypocritical to seek solidarity for our cause without extending it to others. That is why we stand firmly with Ukraine and its people against Russia’s illegal invasion. As President Christodoulides underlined before the UN General Assembly a few days ago: “Appeasement never works.” “Each time we turn a blind eye to violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, we create space for the next aggressor.” In both cases, the UN Charter was violated. Illegality cannot be transformed into legality – no matter who the perpetrator is or who the victim may be. There cannot be double standards.
As I mentioned at the beginning of my speech, Cyprus has always upheld a principled position in multilateralism and international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Cyprus assumed yet again its moral responsibility to its region and the suffering of civilians in Gaza by working closely with our partners to establish the “Amalthia maritime corridor” for the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza. The route has recently been reactivated, and we want to see the unhindered flow of aid in order to avert the humanitarian catastrophe and alleviate suffering, in much anticipation of the end of the war.
In January 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We will exercise fully this responsibility, striving for a stronger, more secure and more resilient European Union. We are committed to serving as an honest broker,to strengthening relations with our Southern Neighbourhood, and to advancing key priorities such as competitiveness, security, and defense capabilities.
I would like to thank the staff of the Embassy of Cyprus in The Hague for their dedicated work and assistance, as well as the person standing by my side, my spouse Madam Domna Paschalidou – Attas, for her support and devotion throughout these years.”
The ambiance of the reception at the emblematic Hotel Des Indes, was lively, comfortable with Ambassador Spyros Attas sharing warm moments with his guests.
The gathering attracted a diverse group of guests, including several ambassadors and diplomats from countries such as Italy, Greece, Armenia, Uruguay, Malta, Japan, El Salvador, Belgium, North Macedonia, Mexico, Yemen, Georgia, Yemen, and Malaysia, as well as the Director-General of the OPCW, ICMP, PCA and other high-ranking officials.
The afternoon concluded with beverages and appetizers, leaving attendees united in their celebration of this significant milestone in Cypriot history.
