Friday, 7 April 2023
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Leonidas Raptakis, Member of the Rhodes Island State Senate of Rhodes Island, led by Mr. Leonidas Raptakis, Member of the Rhodes Island State Senate of Rhodes Island, led by Mr. Leonidas Raptakis, Member of the Rhodes Island State Senate of Rhodes Island, led by Mr. Leonidas Raptakis and consisting of federal and state Congressmen and Senators from Australia, USA, Jordan, Canada and Kenya during their visit to Cyprus.
Welcoming the delegation, the Speaker of the House of Representatives praised the important role and the valuable contribution of the PADEE and the Greek and Cypriot diaspora in general, in promoting the rights of Cyprus and in disseminating Cypriot history and tradition in the countries where they live and work. Mrs Demetriou stressed the importance of maintaining and further strengthening the links of Cypriots in the diaspora with their homeland. Particularly in these difficult times, she stressed, amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the multiple crises, energy, food and environmental, and threats to democracy, including propaganda and fake news, the need to join forces to effectively address these complex challenges is imperative. In this regard, the Speaker stressed the importance of regular communication and exchange of views between the House of Representatives and the diaspora for the purpose of coordination and undertaking joint initiatives and actions. He particularly stressed that the information of the diaspora on issues of special interest for Cyprus, primarily on developments regarding the Cyprus problem and the Turkish provocations against the Republic of Cyprus, should be complete and continuous and expressed the readiness of the House of Representatives to further deepen and strengthen the dialogue and coordination with the PACE.
On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Raptakis noted the participation of ninety-three legislators from the Greek and Cypriot diaspora, who are active in key areas such as energy, tourism, trade and business. Mr. Raptakis stressed the importance of the role of the PACE in properly informing and influencing their countries of residence on the Cyprus problem and other key issues for Cyprus and agreed with Mrs. Demetriou on the need for regular communication between the PACE and the House of Representatives.
A discussion followed, during which the members of the delegation congratulated Mrs Demetriou on her election to the Presidency of the House of Representatives, describing it as a very positive development in the direction of strengthening the representation of women and young people in decision-making centres. There was also an exchange of views on issues of broader interest, with a particular focus on the environment and tackling climate change.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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