Cyprus can count on Portugal’s support, the latter’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Vanda Sequiera, assured the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, on Wednesday, in a farewell meeting on the completion of her term.
The House said in a press release that Demetriou expressed gratitude for the good cooperation between the House of Representatives and the Embassy of Portugal during Sequiera’s term, whom she thanked for her active contribution to the further promotion of relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Portugal in a wide range of sectors, as well as in highlighting the common elements that connect the two countries.
‘She expressed certainty that the momentum that has been created in this cooperation, in recent years, will continue to produce tangible results,’ it added.
Referring to the current developments regarding the Cyprus problem in view of the anticipated informal extended meeting, the President of the Parliament stressed the need for substantial results and tangible signs of progress that will create the conditions for the resumption of substantive negotiations. ‘Demetriou pointed out that, to this end, it is necessary to exert strong pressure on Turkey, in connection with the upcoming appointment of an EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem,’ the press release said.
Any progress in Turkey’s European path, the President of the Parliament underlined, presupposes its compliance with international law, the principles and values of the European Union and the fulfilment of its obligations towards the Union and the Republic of Cyprus.
‘On her part, the Ambassador of Portugal reaffirmed her country’s firm support for the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, noting in this regard Portugal’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping for in Cyprus (UNFICYP),’ the press release noted.
At the same time, she stressed that Portugal is committed to international law and multilateral cooperation, as demonstrated by its election to the United Nations Security Council, and assured the President of the Parliament that Cyprus can count on Portugal’s support.
Sequiera concluded by noting her country’s practical interest and commitment to peace and stability in Cyprus.