The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Jakhongir Khaydarov.
Welcoming Mr Khaydarov, Mrs Demetriou praised the work carried out by the UNDP Cyprus and its significant contribution to the implementation of development programmes for the benefit of all Cypriot people.
Referring to the current situation regarding the Cyprus problem, the Speaker of the House of Representatives underlined that the aim of the Greek Cypriot side is to break the current deadlock and resume the talks from the point where they were interrupted, in order to reach a solution in accordance with international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and European principles and values. Demetriou criticized Turkey's intensifying provocations, both on land and at sea, which, she said, demonstrate Ankara's contempt for international law and UN resolutions on Cyprus. The President stressed that the UN and the entire international community must decisively turn to Turkey in order to cooperate towards achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of these principles, which will create mutually beneficial conditions and make Cyprus an example of peace, prosperity and stability.
The Speaker also referred to the importance of saving and protecting the cultural heritage of Cyprus, the destruction of which, she stressed, is one of the dire consequences of the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation. Khaydarov referred to the work of the UNDP in Cyprus and to programmes and projects of the Office that are ongoing or planned and which concern, inter alia, the improvement of environmental, social and economic infrastructure, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Cyprus.
Finally, the common will for cooperation, including the undertaking of joint initiatives, on issues of mutual interest, such as addressing climate change and gender mainstreaming in institutions, was expressed.
