Recent visits by senior United Nations and European Union officials could help create conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations on the Cyprus problem, House Speaker Annita Demetriou said on Friday.
During a meeting with Portugal’s new Ambassador to Cyprus, Carmen Silvestre, Demetriou also underlined the importance of support from friendly countries such as Portugal.
Support for renewed negotiations
Demetriou highlighted the significance of the recent visits to Cyprus by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Commission Executive Vice-President and Special Representative for Cyprus Raffaele Fitto.
She referred to the prospect of restarting substantive negotiations aimed at achieving a just and viable settlement, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Stronger parliamentary cooperation
The meeting also focused on the longstanding ties between Cyprus and Portugal, which are based on shared principles and values.
Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and exchanges between the two countries’ parliaments at all levels. They also discussed developing closer bilateral and European-level cooperation on issues of common interest.
The House statement highlighted the role of the respective parliamentary friendship groups in further advancing bilateral relations.
Silvestre expressed her willingness to contribute actively to closer cooperation between Cyprus and Portugal, particularly at the bilateral level.
Shared European challenges
Demetriou and Silvestre also exchanged views on the role of parliamentary diplomacy, as well as regional and international developments.
Their discussions covered challenges facing European countries, including the housing crisis, defence and shortages in the healthcare sector.
Source: CNA
