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- Ελληνικά
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and Chairman of the Cyprus-Slovenia Friendship Group Mr.Harris Georgiades and the Members of the Committee Mr.Marios Mavridis, Mr. Alexandra Attalidou had a meeting today with the President of the National Assembly (NA) of Slovenia, Mrs Urška Klakočar Zupančič and a delegation consisting of MPs Mr Dušan Stojanović and Mrs Iva Dimic, President and Member, respectively, of the Slovenian-Cypriot Friendship Group in the National Assembly of Slovenia, MPs.
Welcoming Mrs Klakočar Zupančič, Mr Georgiades underlined the excellent level of relations between Cyprus and Slovenia, including their parliamentary dimension, which, he said, are based on the commitment of both countries to democracy and international law, common principles and their shared Euro-Mediterranean identity.
Referring to the conditions of increasing instability, especially in the Middle East region, Georgiades pointed out that Cyprus knows very well what invasion and displacement means, having itself been invaded by neighbouring Turkey and having experienced Turkish aggression for 50 years. Despite the ongoing occupation and open wounds, Georgiades pointed out, Cyprus has managed to progress by creating a strong economy and a functioning democracy and to be a factor of security and stability in a highly unstable region. Mr Georgiades stressed that terrorist organisations cannot be allowed to regulate political developments in the region and we as the European Union cannot pretend that we do not see what is happening.
Klakočar Zupančič reaffirmed Slovenia's principled position in the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions.
Klakočar Zupančič reaffirmed Slovenia's principled position in the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions. She also noted that the Cyprus problem is included in her country's priorities in her capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2024-2025.
Referring to the situation in Gaza, the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis unfolding on a daily basis and welcomed the initiatives of the Republic of Cyprus to send humanitarian aid to the region.
During the ensuing debate, the Cypriot MPs highlighted the common characteristics, common challenges and common aspirations of Cyprus and Slovenia and underlined the will to further strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. The Cypriot MPs expressed sincere appreciation for the principled position and support of the friendly country regarding the Cyprus problem and its resolution efforts and underlined our side's commitment to the objective of resuming talks towards a just and viable solution, in accordance with the UN resolutions on Cyprus.
Referring to the war raging in Gaza, the Members of the Commission stressed that Cyprus can and must become a bridge of peace and stability between Europe and the Middle East.
Slovenian MEPs noted that Cyprus, due to its geographical proximity to the Middle East, can play a key role within the EU in maintaining security and stability in this turbulent region.
Finally, the importance of cooperation and coordination between Cyprus and Slovenia, as two small Mediterranean and European states, in defending their common interests was noted.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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