It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you to Cyprus. Ηere, at the heart of Europe’s last divided capital, in the south eastern corner of our Union. In a space where the Cypriot history, memory and identity are engraved into every stone. In this beautiful medieval building of Kasteliotissa, part of the tapestry of Cyprus’s rich and diverse heritage. A monument that has lived many lives and embodies the resilience of this remarkable country. A church, an arsenal, a flour mill, a warehouse, a museum, and now a cultural hall that today becomes part of our journey of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council. Kastelliotissa encapsulates what Cyprus has always embodied historically, and what Cyprus continues to be for our region and for our Union. An island at the crossroads of three continents, building bridges between peoples and cultures, between worlds. A European country proudly stands as the European Union’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean. Outward looking, stable and resilient. Ready to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Ready, Focused, and Committed to take the European project forward. And as Cypriots tend to do when given a task, we roll our sleeves and get to work. We stay focused on our mission, and we deliver. 🇨🇾🇪🇺(NikosChristodoulides)