Ambassador-designate Nicholas Panayiotou presented his letter of credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, assuming his post as the Ambassador of Cyprus to ASEAN. SG Dr. Kao welcomed and congratulated Ambassador Panayiotou on his assumption of duty. He also reiterated the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to work closely with Ambassador Panayiotou and the Embassy of Cyprus in Jakarta. Ambassador Panayiotou reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to enhancing its relations with ASEAN, both bilaterally and through the ASEAN-EU framework. Cyprus’ commitment to building stronger relations with the region has been evident with the recent establishment of its embassy in Jakarta. SG Dr. Kao took the opportunity to encourage Ambassador Panayiotou to engage with the diplomatic community in Jakarta, especially with the Permanent Missions of ASEAN Member States to ASEAN and other Non-ASEAN Member States Ambassadors accredited to ASEAN. Both sides noted the need to explore further cooperation, through private sector participation as well as enhancing the volume of trade, investment and tourism. SG Dr. Kao said, “ASEAN looks forward to cooperating and collaborating with Cyprus in areas of mutual interests, where Cyprus has expertise and strength, bilaterally as well as through the ASEAN-EU framework.” Ambassador Panayiotou said, “For Cyprus, it is a great honour and pleasure to be presenting my credentials to the Secretary-General of ASEAN. Cyprus is strongly committed to enhancing its relationship with ASEAN. I look forward to increase contacts with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Member States to learn from their experiences and perspectives.” Ambassador Panayiotou is the first Ambassador of Cyprus to ASEAN based in Jakarta. The previous Ambassador was based in Canberra, Australia.
