Athens, Greece. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and House President Annita Demetriou on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination between Athens and Nicosia, saying renewed diplomatic efforts on the Cyprus issue made cooperation between the two governments increasingly important.
Meeting in Athens
During a meeting at Maximos mansion in Athens, Mitsotakis congratulated Demetriou on her re-election as House president and praised her role in promoting Cyprus’ positions through parliamentary diplomacy.
He said Demetriou had an important mission both as a state institution and through parliamentary diplomacy, which he said she had exercised effectively in raising international awareness of the Cyprus issue.
Focus on Cyprus issue
Referring to renewed diplomatic activity on the Cyprus problem, Mitsotakis said Demetriou’s visit came at a critical moment.
He said there was substantial movement again on the Cyprus issue and stressed the need for absolute coordination, adding that this had been maintained throughout the years.
Support from Greece
Demetriou thanked the Greek prime minister for Greece’s continued support and described relations between the two countries as close cooperation at political, parliamentary and diplomatic levels.
She said Greece was Cyprus’ strongest brotherly ally and emphasized the importance of that support.
Parliamentary cooperation
Demetriou said parliamentary diplomacy could further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in defence, security and European affairs.
She added that closer cooperation between parliamentary committees would reinforce their common positions.
Negotiations and regional issues
Demetriou also referred to efforts to advance the Cyprus issue, saying discussions had focused on maintaining momentum toward the resumption of negotiations.
She said she hoped there would be movement that would ensure real progress on the Cyprus issue, adding that the talks had also covered the Euro-Turkish dimension and broader regional challenges.
