Moldova’s European path, the Cyprus issue and security challenges in the wider region were discussed on Monday in a meeting between the House President, Annita Demetriou, and Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Pop?oi, who is paying Cyprus an official visit.
The meeting noted the close ties of friendship between the two countries, which are founded on mutual respect and shared European principles and values, a House of Representatives press release issued here on Monday said.
Both sides, it added, “expressed a common will to further strengthen bilateral relations, while the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing contemporary security challenges, in light of broader geopolitical developments, was underlined.”
Demetriou expressed appreciation for Moldova’s principled position and steadfast support on the Cyprus problem, as Pop?oi reaffirmed his country’s long-standing principled position on the Cyprus problem.
She referred to the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of part of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, and expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in efforts to find common ground, which she attributed to Turkey’s delaying tactics and its escalating destabilising actions in the region.
Cyprus, she stressed, remains committed to the resumption of substantive negotiations from the point where they were interrupted at Crans-Montana, with a view to reaching a solution based on international law and the relevant UN resolutions.
The House President reaffirmed Cyprus’ steadfast support for Moldova’s European path, as well as the readiness of the House of Representatives to provide all possible assistance, noting that the accession process requires consistency, perseverance and sustained political commitment.
She also underlined the importance of European solidarity and the need for the EU to lead on the basis of a unified strategy towards third countries that violate the international legal order, developing closer cooperation with other important partners to that end. The violation of the international legal order, it was stressed, can under no circumstances be legitimised.
For his part, the Moldovan official expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support for his country’s accession path and for the significant momentum it received during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Pop?oi stressed that full accession is a national strategic goal and a top priority for Moldova, and referred to the efforts under way to complete the accession process and align national legislation with the EU acquis.
The impact on Europe of the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as other issues of international interest, were also discussed.
Pop?oi was accompanied by Moldova’s Ambassador to Cyprus, who is based in Athens, Andrei Popov, and his Chief of Staff, Silvia Pojoga.