Cyprus issue, the upcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, Ukraine and bilateral cooperation were on the agenda of a meeting House President Annita Demetriou had on Friday with President of Moldova, Maia Sandu who is paying an official visit to the island.
Cyprus and Moldova reaffirmed their commitment to the respect of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and the importance of compliance with international law and European principles and values, as a necessary condition for peace, security and stability in Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean.
Demetriou described the visit as historic, taking place a few days before Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency.
She pointed out that the two countries face similar and complex challenges in a particularly unstable geopolitical environment. Demetriou noted that Cyprus primarily for security reasons, sought its accession to the EU, which constitutes its strongest diplomatic advantage.
She also said that Cyprus does not oppose the participation of third countries in the EU SAFE programme, provided that they comply with European principles and their obligations towards the Union and its member states.
Demetriou also assured Sandu of Cyprus’ support for Moldova’s European course.
The Speaker of the House underlined that the Republic of Cyprus is the only divided EU member state, in violation of the fundamental principles of the UN and the EU.
She spoke of a positive step referring to yesterday’s meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and expressed hope for the resumption of substantive negotiations as soon as possible, with a view to achieving a comprehensive solution, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions.
The President of Moldova reaffirmed her country’s firm position of principles regarding the Cyprus issue. She also noted that her country faces serious security challenges emanating from Russia, stressing that for Moldova, its accession to the EU is a top national priority.
She briefed Demetriou about the current situation in Transnistria and the policies pursued by Moldova for the social integration of the inhabitants of the region in question, as well as about the achievement, as she noted, of her country in becoming energy independent from Russia with the support of the EU.
Views were also exchanged on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Demetriou underlined that the Republic of Cyprus categorically opposes the legalisation of territories conquered by military force.
They also expressed their will for the further strengthening of relations between the two countries at all levels, including the parliamentary one.