The Council of Ministers has appointed former DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis as the President's Special Political Envoy for the Cyprus issue in Asia and Africa, the government announced on Wednesday.
Under the appointment, Tornaritis will undertake targeted political contacts in countries across the two continents on matters relating to the Cyprus problem, acting on the instructions of President Nikos Christodoulides and in coordination with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Role focused on international outreach
According to the government, Tornaritis' mission will focus on promoting the positions of the Republic of Cyprus on the Cyprus issue and strengthening international support among countries in Asia and Africa.
His responsibilities will include political engagement and diplomatic outreach aimed at broadening understanding of Cyprus' positions on the longstanding national issue.
Appointment to be unpaid
The government clarified that Tornaritis will perform his duties without receiving a salary.
Experience cited by government
In announcing the appointment, the government pointed to Tornaritis' lengthy political and parliamentary career, his long-standing involvement in Cyprus issue matters and the international network he developed through participation in interparliamentary organisations.
According to the statement, he served for 13 years as head of the Cypriot delegation to the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, where he was also elected vice-president of the body.
He also served as head of the Cypriot delegation and vice-president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, gaining what the government described as valuable political and institutional experience as well as extensive international contacts.
Focus on Asia and Africa
The appointment comes as the government seeks to expand diplomatic outreach beyond traditional partners and reinforce international backing for Cyprus' positions through engagement with governments across Asia and Africa.
The government said Tornaritis' experience and international connections would support efforts to advance Cyprus' diplomatic objectives on the national issue.
