On December 16, 2024, Dr. Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela officially presented her Letters of Credence to President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus, formalizing her role as South Africa’s non-resident High Commissioner. The appointment, made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, represents South Africa’s ongoing efforts to bolster relations with Cyprus.
The Mediterranean nation’s strategic location near Africa and the Middle East offers opportunities for collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, maritime transport, education, health, tourism, and cultural heritage. These sectors align with South Africa’s priorities for deepening bilateral ties and creating mutual benefits.
Dr. Msengana-Ndlela, joined by South Africa’s Honorary Consul in Cyprus, Mr. John Mavrokordatos, engaged with key institutional representatives in Nicosia. Meetings were held with officials including:
- Ambassador Theodora Konstantinidou, Head of the Permanent Secretariat Trilateral Mechanism of Cooperation and the Expatriates and Returnees Service.
- Ambassador Penelope Erotokritou, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Ms. Andrea Petrányi, Head of the Political Directorate for the Middle East, Africa, and Gulf Department.
- Dr. Terpsa Constantinidou, Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth.
- Ms. Maria Zavrou, President of the Cyprus-South Africa Business Association, and Mr. Stavros Stavrou, President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce.
- Representatives from the tourism sector.
These discussions addressed avenues for employment creation, entrepreneurship, and human resource development, as well as ways to build on existing political and economic ties.
