New Italian Ambassador in Cyprus

The new Italian Ambassador Alfredo Bastianelli has presented his credentials to President Demetris Christofias, saying that Cyprus and Italy have had 'a common history since the eighth century BC when ancient Greeks sailed to Cyprus and southern Italy to create two excellent cultures that developed separately but have a common source.'

Italy and Cyprus' ties have continued through the centuries and can be seen in the beautiful mosaics in Paphos, and the link between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, as well as the work of many intellecutuals and artists, he said.

The collaboration between the two countries reached its zenith with Queen Catherine Cornaro in Venice, and in 2010 'we honour the memory of the 500th anniversary of her death," said the ambassador.

The cooperation between Cyprus and Italy can continue to deal with common challenges such as illegal immigration in the Mediterranean, he said.

Bastianelli said he supports Christofias' efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, and is 'confident that negotiations will lead to a final agreement to resolve all outstanding prblems and the reunification of the island in a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality.'