Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides appointed a special representative for religious freedoms and protection of minorities in the Middle East.
“Ms Thessalia Salina Shambos, with proven diplomatic skills and experience, will work for the protection of Christian and other minorities through dialogue with states in the region, to strengthen their rights and promote sustainable solutions to the challenges they face,” a news release says. “Her mission will also assist the European Union (EU)’s efforts to support religious groups in the region.”
“At the same time, the appointee will promote multilateral dialogue and interreligious meetings to enhance the inclusion of Christian minorities in the region’s political processes,” it reads.
The appointment marks Cyprus’ “commitment to support the religious communities of the Middle East, to promote regional stability and to showcase the richness of the region’s cultural and religious heritage.”
Christodoulides spoke exclusively with Breitbart, telling the outlet, “I will tell you what I mentioned to President Trump when I talked on the phone with him: Cyprus is a predictable, reliable partner of the United States in this region. If we work together, I think we can fully safeguard Christians’ rights in the region.”
The country’s foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, told the publication, “The message is pretty simple: Cyprus is here for working with the United States like we’ve been doing the past couple of years with excellent cooperation on military, security, and intelligence.”
Last month, Christodoulides congratulated President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, writing on x: “Congratulations US President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your election victory. I look forward to continue working on expanding and reinforcing the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the US, and advancing our transatlantic relationship.”
