Portugal’s Voice in Cyprus: Ambassador Vanda Sequeira’s Strategic Mission
Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira has served as Portugal’s Ambassador to Cyprus since March 2022, bringing three decades of diplomatic expertise to strengthen bilateral ties between these two EU maritime nations at opposite ends of the continent.
Mnemne Her appointment marks a significant diplomatic presence as she simultaneously serves as non-resident Ambassador to Lebanon, positioning Portugal strategically in the Eastern Mediterranean region. With specialized experience in international security, disarmament, and multilateral affairs from her extensive UN postings in New York and Vienna, Sequeira represents a new chapter in Portugal-Cyprus relations that emphasizes technological cooperation, maritime science, and regional stability. LinkedIn
A career shaped by global diplomacy and multilateral expertise
Ambassador Sequeira’s diplomatic journey began in 1994 when she joined Portugal’s foreign service, establishing a career foundation that would span embassies in Tokyo, Vienna, and Berlin while developing expertise in some of the world’s most complex diplomatic arenas. Her educational background includes a degree in International Relations from the University of Lisbon’s Institute for Social and Political Sciences, complemented by an Abitur diploma from the German School of Lisbon that laid the groundwork for her multilingual capabilities in Portuguese, German, English, and French.
Her career trajectory reveals a diplomat comfortable navigating both bilateral relations and multilateral frameworks. Prior to her Cyprus appointment, Sequeira served as Foreign Policy Advisor to the current President of the Portuguese Republic and held the position of Director for International Economic Organizations at Portugal’s Foreign Ministry. This combination of high-level advisory roles and technical expertise in international organizations equipped her with the strategic vision needed for her current ambassadorial responsibilities.
The breadth of her experience becomes particularly relevant in Cyprus, where she must balance bilateral engagement with the complexities of the Cyprus problem, EU integration challenges, and regional instability affecting her additional responsibilities in Lebanon and Syria. Her UN experience in international security and disarmament provides crucial context for understanding the delicate regional dynamics she now navigates daily.
Transforming Portugal-Cyprus relations through innovation and maritime heritage
Under Sequeira’s leadership, the Portuguese Embassy has identified maritime science, digital technology, and renewable energy as cornerstone areas for deepening bilateral cooperation. This strategic focus aligns with both nations’ identities as maritime countries with rich seafaring traditions, while acknowledging the contemporary need for technological advancement and sustainable development. Pio The ambassador has actively promoted initiatives like the SeaTecHub project, fostering collaboration between Portuguese and Cypriot research institutions in maritime technology. CMMI
The timing of her tenure has proven historically significant, facilitating the first official visit of a Portuguese Head of State to Cyprus in October 2022. This milestone event, occurring just months after she presented her credentials, demonstrated her effectiveness in elevating the bilateral relationship to new institutional heights. The presidential visit created momentum for expanded cooperation agreements and reinforced Portugal’s commitment to Cyprus at the highest political level.
Sequeira’s approach to economic diplomacy emphasizes practical synergies between the two countries. She has highlighted opportunities in investment frameworks, noting similarities in programs like Golden Visa schemes while identifying areas for mutual learning and improvement. Her vision extends beyond traditional diplomatic channels to encompass people-to-people connections, organizing regular community gatherings in Limassol and other cities to strengthen ties between Portuguese expatriates and local Cypriot communities.
Navigating regional complexities while championing EU values
Ambassador Sequeira’s portfolio extends beyond Cyprus to include non-resident responsibilities for Lebanon, creating a unique diplomatic challenge that requires balancing attention across a politically volatile region. She has maintained active engagement with Lebanese officials, including bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister on strengthening ties, while providing crucial consular support to Portuguese communities facing difficult circumstances in both Lebanon and Syria. National News Agency
Her commitment to the Cyprus problem reflects Portugal’s principled stance on international law and territorial integrity. Sequeira consistently advocates for a peaceful, permanent resolution in accordance with UN resolutions, emphasizing that all Cypriots should enjoy full EU rights and freedoms throughout the island. This position aligns with broader Portuguese foreign policy supporting multilateralism and UN peacekeeping principles, drawing on her extensive experience in international security frameworks.
The ambassador’s regional approach demonstrates sophisticated understanding of Eastern Mediterranean dynamics. She has positioned Portugal as a constructive partner in addressing shared challenges, from migration and security concerns to energy cooperation and economic development. Her multilingual abilities and multicultural experience from postings across three continents enable effective engagement with diverse stakeholders in this complex regional environment.
Building bridges through cultural diplomacy and community engagement
Sequeira has prioritized strengthening the Portuguese diaspora’s integration within Cypriot society while preserving cultural identity and language. Regular community events, from National Day celebrations to informal luncheons, create platforms for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. These initiatives serve dual purposes: supporting Portuguese nationals abroad while fostering people-to-people diplomacy that enriches bilateral relations.
Her emphasis on Portuguese language promotion extends beyond the expatriate community to engage Cypriots interested in lusophone culture. This cultural diplomacy complements economic and political initiatives, creating a comprehensive approach to bilateral engagement. The ambassador’s vision explicitly connects traditional sectors with technological and scientific advancement, recognizing that modern diplomacy must bridge historical ties with future-oriented cooperation. Pio
The embassy under her leadership has become more accessible and responsive to community needs, particularly important given the regional portfolio that includes Portuguese nationals in crisis-affected areas of Lebanon and Syria. This human-centered approach to diplomacy reflects Sequeira’s understanding that effective representation requires both high-level political engagement and grassroots community support.
Ambassador Vanda Sequeira’s tenure represents a strategic inflection point in Portugal-Cyprus relations, characterized by institutional milestone achievements, innovative cooperation frameworks, and strengthened community ties. Her unique combination of multilateral expertise, regional responsibility across three countries, and commitment to technological and maritime cooperation positions Portugal as an increasingly relevant partner for Cyprus within the EU framework. As she continues her mission in 2025, Sequeira’s leadership exemplifies how skilled diplomacy can transform historical goodwill into concrete partnerships that address contemporary challenges while respecting each nation’s sovereignty and aspirations. Her work demonstrates that effective ambassadorial leadership in the 21st century requires balancing traditional diplomatic skills with innovation, regional awareness with bilateral focus, and institutional advancement with human connection.