The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anita Dimitriou, following her meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday in Athens.

In her remarks, Ms. Dimitriou described the meeting as “very important,” during which, she said, she received congratulations both on her re-election and on Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, which, as she noted, concludes today. “Today is also a symbolic day. It is the last day of the Cypriot Presidency. I believe this endeavor has been a success,” she said, referring to the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, noting that strengthening relations between the Parliaments of Greece and Cyprus can further enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries.

“Through parliamentary diplomacy and by strengthening relations between our parliaments, we can add to the strategies of our two countries a shared strategy, moving in unison,” she said.

At the same time, Ms. Dimitriou stated that she briefed the Greek Prime Minister on the Cyprus issue and the priorities of the House of Representatives for the coming period. Referring to the processes regarding EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus issue, in response to a related question, she noted that there had been an exchange of views with the Greek Prime Minister and stated that there is a shared understanding regarding the necessary diplomatic steps. 

“We are in agreement regarding the political and diplomatic steps that need to be taken,” she said, adding that Greece and Cyprus are taking into account the interconnection between Greek-Turkish and EU-Turkish relations, especially in light of preparations for convening a five-party meeting on the Cyprus issue. Ms. Dimitriou concluded that the goal remains to achieve substantial progress, emphasizing the need for a joint effort by Athens and Nicosia toward this end.

Source: CNA