The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mrs. Anita Demetriou received today the new Ambassador of Portugal to Cyprus Mrs. Vanda Maria Dias Stelzer Sequeira.
During the meeting, the very good relations between Cyprus and Portugal were reaffirmed, which are based on their common characteristics as countries of the European South and on common principles and values.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stressed the need to demonstrate even stronger solidarity between the Member States of the European Union (EU) in order to address common challenges. Noting that the EU reacted swiftly and united to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ms Demetriou stressed that Cyprus stood by the side of the Ukrainian people from the very first moment and the House of Representatives, from the first day of the war, unanimously adopted a condemnatory resolution. Although, Ms Demetriou said, the international community has not shown the same sensitivity for Cyprus, which has been experiencing for forty-eight years the consequences of the invasion and continued occupation of part of its territory by Turkey and the intensifying Turkish provocations in its Exclusive Economic Zone and, more recently, in the enclave of Famagusta, we remain firmly committed to international law and to the objective of resuming talks, within the agreed UN framework, for the reunification of our country. The Turkish side's claim for a "two-state" solution will never be accepted and has been rejected by the international community, Ms Demetriou stressed.
Ms Sequeira underlined that Portugal stands by Cyprus on the basis of principles and is very supportive of the efforts for its reunification, which is the only acceptable solution, in accordance with international law and European principles and values.
During the meeting, a common will was expressed to further strengthen relations between the two countries, especially at the parliamentary level, through increased exchanges.
Finally, there was an exchange of views, in particular on issues of gender equality and culture and on possible ways of cooperation and joint initiatives and actions in these and other areas of common interest.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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