Reading the impressive biography of our honouree, the eminent scientist Demetris Christodoulou, I have to admit that it was one of the rare occasions that I was genuinely captivated by the breadth of his research and the depth of his scientific knowledge.

I also have to admit that my fascination is due largely to the unfamiliarity that myself and most of us have for this grand chapter of science in which our compatriot excels, and in which he is respectfully acknowledged as a universal mathematical authority.

Mr Demetris Christodoulou, we are very proud of your work and we are extremely pleased that the Nemitsas Foundation is giving us the opportunity to honour you for your important contribution in science. A contribution which proudly, allow me to say, represents our homeland.

The Nemitsas Award is a relatively new institution, which becomes more important every year with its exceptional and timely choices. It brings to the forefront distinguished Cypriots, who live and work abroad or in Cyprus, whom we would probably have never had the opportunity to meet, had the Nemitsas Foundation not taken the excellent initiative to honour them.

I would like to highlight the particular symbolism of the timing chosen for these awards – the first days of October- linking in this way this awarding of exceptional Cypriots to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

The first award ceremony was in November 2010, on the occasion of the fifty years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. During that first ceremony, the donation by the Takis and Louki Nemitsas Foundation to the Republic of Cyprus was announced.

Allow me to pay tribute to the work of the Foundation and to the generosity of Takis and Louki Nemitsa, who donated the Foundation with all its movable and immovable property to the Republic of Cyprus. I must also refer to the fact that the Governing Board of the Foundation, as well as the Academic Council, the Secretary and the Coordinator of the Foundation operate nobly on an unpaid basis. It would therefore be an omission not to express my sincere thanks for their invaluable contribution.

We have every reason to be optimistic for the future. After three years of hard work we managed to put the country back on track for stability and growth, a growth that today is steadily amongst the highest levels in the European Union.

The positive progress of our economy is recognized by international rating agencies, one of which has recently upgraded our credit capacity.

All crucial indicators of economy and in particular the unemployment indicators follow a positive course and this confirms that our country is on track for steady growth which we must maintain.

Another element of optimism is the fact that we are in the midst of a crucial and difficult, but at the same time, hopeful negotiating process for a solution of the Cyprus problem. If we succeed in reaching a comprehensive settlement, firmly attached on European values and principles, I am absolutely certain that our future will be most promising and that Cyprus and its people will prosper, in a secure country that will be considered a model of cooperation and growth for the entire region.

The conditions are favourable and the interest of international actors, the United Nations and the European Union is certain. I hope that the Turkish side will show the same willingness that we demonstrate in order to be able to shape the country that we – Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots- are envisaging.

In this case – I am sure- we will have the opportunity to showcase many more scientists and fellow Cypriot citizens.