The work of the 13th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) began today in Antalya, Turkey, with the participation of the head of the Cypriot delegation to the APA, MP Mr. The main theme of the session, which is attended by delegations from 25 AAC member parliaments, is the promotion of multilateralism in the ever-changing international arena, with emphasis on strengthening cooperation between Asian parliaments.
The main theme of the session, which is attended by delegations from 25 AAC member parliaments, is the promotion of multilateralism in the ever-changing international arena, with emphasis on strengthening cooperation between Asian parliaments.
In his address to the Plenary, Mr. Tornaritis noted that the 13th Session of the APS takes place at a time of great challenges, as efforts are still being made to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating consequences around the world, while humanity is also faced with a host of other international and regional issues that need to be collectively and effectively addressed. Global challenges require global solutions and therefore, support for multilateralism and international cooperation is the only possible way forward, he stressed. In this context, Mr.Tornaritis pointed out that parliaments have a key role to play as they are the ones that approve budgets, exercise parliamentary control, hold governments to account and act as a link between citizens and centres of power.
Tornaritis noted that Cyprus has adopted and is implementing a sustainable development policy in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, actively supporting international cooperation on related issues. Moreover, Mr. Tornaritis stressed that Cyprus, due to its geostrategic position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, has the potential to act as a connecting hub between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, a goal that is among the high priorities of the Republic of Cyprus. In this context, he noted, Cyprus actively participates in trilateral cooperation mechanisms with countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region, which it seeks to expand even further, with the aim of contributing to the achievement of peace and stability in the region. As a full member of the European Union, Cyprus is a reliable factor of regional security and stability and a bridge of dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Asia. Now is the time, Mr. Tornaritis stressed, to add substantial value, as parliamentarians in the context of parliamentary diplomacy, to global efforts to ensure a better future for citizens and future generations, supporting a multilateral approach based on universal principles and values and promoting the goals of peace, unity, respect for human rights and inclusion.
In addition, Mr. Tornaritis participated yesterday, before the opening of the plenary session, in a meeting of the Executive Council of the Assembly, during which the Organization's remote action during the pandemic was presented and discussed. The Executive Council also adopted the agenda and elected the members of the Bureau of the Assembly.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
