[PIO] Meetings of the Speaker of the House of Representatives during her official visit to Ireland

The meetings of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Anita Demetriou, concluded today in the framework of her official visit to Ireland, following an invitation by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Ireland, Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl. The Speaker's meetings were attended by the Ambassador of Cyprus to Ireland, Mrs Harris Christodoulides.

Yesterday, the Speaker was received by the President of Ireland, Mr Michael D. Higgins. Welcoming Mrs Demetriou, Mr Higgins underlined his country's support for efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of principles. He stressed the need for the European Union (EU) to rediscover its vision and for Member States to show more support for Cyprus by adopting an institutionally strong stance based on common principles. The President expressed thanks for Ireland's long-standing principled position and steadfast support for efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem in accordance with international law, relevant UN Resolutions and European principles and values. He agreed with Mr Higgins' statement on the need for an unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles that make up the European vision, without exception and avoiding the logic of two measures and two stations.

During the meeting with Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Speaker of the Irish House of Representatives, the close ties and similarities that bind the two countries, as small island states of the EU, were noted. Ms Demetriou expressed deep appreciation for the principled position and practical support of Ireland, as a country also experiencing division, in the efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and the European acquis. This attitude, Ms Demetriou noted, is reflected in Ireland's long-standing contribution to UNFICYP and the work of the Missing Persons' Committee. The two Presidents described as valuable and necessary the cooperation of two small states such as Cyprus and Ireland, both in the bilateral and European context, in the light of the complex challenges facing the EU. There was a common recognition that only through unity and cooperation can these challenges be met. In particular, the need for equal representation of women in decision-making centres and the need to collectively address at EU level the toxic environment against political figures in social media, which prevents women and young people from getting involved in politics, were highlighted.

The two Presidents underlined their willingness and intention to further strengthen relations between the two Parliaments through increased exchanges at various levels, further highlighting the added value of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting cooperation in areas of common interest to both countries, such as technology and innovation, energy, agriculture, justice and education. More specifically in the field of education, views were exchanged on strengthening cooperation between the two countries by promoting student exchanges through programmes such as ERASMUS as well as expanding cooperation between university institutions in the fields of research and innovation.

In the Irish Parliament, Ms Demetriou also met with the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, and the Deputy Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs of the Irish Parliament, Mr Charlie Flanagan and Mr Brendan Howlin, respectively, and Members of both Committees. During the meeting and on the occasion of the recent illegal visit of the Turkish President to the occupied territories, the Speaker of the House of Representatives deplored the intensifying Turkish provocations against the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, stressing that the Turkish side's dichotomous claims are moving us further and further away from the goal of the reunification of our country and will never be accepted because this would amount to the legitimisation of the Turkish invasion and occupation. On the basis of these same principles that are blatantly violated in Cyprus by Turkey, Ms Demetriou pointed out, the Republic of Cyprus has stood by Ukraine and its people from the very first moment and fully aligned itself with the EU sanctions against Russia, regardless of the costs incurred by the country. Flanagan underlined Ireland's long-standing support for the struggle of Cyprus, while noting that both countries have an important role to play as partners within the EU in upholding democratic principles and international legitimacy, including through their multiple support for Ukraine and its people. Mr Howlin, stressed Ireland's readiness to continue to support the work of the Committee of Inquiry into Missing Persons.

The Speaker also met yesterday with the Minister of State with responsibility for Legislative Reform, Mr James Browne. Ms Demetriou praised the cooperation between Cyprus and Ireland in the areas of justice and equality, making special reference to the mutually beneficial cooperation and coordination between the two countries within the EU, which together with Malta have a Common Law legal system. There was also an exchange of views on issues relating to gender mainstreaming in legislation, the strategy for the protection of victims of gender and domestic violence, and the legislative framework for tackling juvenile delinquency. Finally, Mr Browne stressed the importance of preserving multilateral cooperation and the rule of law as a guarantee for strengthening the role of small and medium-sized states.

Later in the afternoon, the President addressed the Senate plenary and then attended part of the proceedings of the plenary of the House of Representatives, where the President of the House welcomed her presence.

She then visited the historic Trinity College Dublin, where she was briefed by the Vice President for International Cooperation, Associate Professor Dr Emma Stokes on the functioning and faculties of the University and also met with Dr George Papantoniou, Assistant Professor of Ancient Visual and Material Culture in the Department of Classical Studies of the University where Cypriot archaeology is taught. The importance of increasing educational exchanges between Cypriot and Irish students within the framework of European programmes was stressed.

Before concluding her official visit to Ireland, the Speaker was received today by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. During the meeting, Mrs Demetriou briefed the Irish Prime Minister extensively on the current situation regarding the Cyprus problem, underlining the benefits and opportunities that would result from the reunification of Cyprus, given its important geostrategic position. The President of the Parliament referred in particular to the deteriorating situation in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus, as a result of the ongoing colonisation. Mrs Demetriou reiterated the principled position and firm support of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine and its people, despite the economic consequences for the country.

The Speaker of the Parliament returns to Cyprus at dawn on Thursday 15 June 2023.

(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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