A resolution to the Cyprus issue will play a catalytic role in strengthening stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, stressed Speaker of the House Anita Dimitriou during her meeting with Albania’s Minister of European and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, who is on a working visit to Cyprus.

According to a statement from the House of Representatives, Ms. Dimitriou underscored the Greek Cypriot side’s commitment to the goal of resuming substantive talks to achieve a comprehensive and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the principles and values of the European Union.

At the same time, she expressed the hope that Turkey would adopt a constructive stance so that negotiations could resume.

During the meeting, the Speaker of the House also reaffirmed Cyprus’s steadfast support for the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, noting that the European Union’s enlargement policy constitutes a strategic investment in peace, stability, and security in Europe.

Ms. Dimitriou congratulated Albania on the progress it has made on its path to accession and assured the Albanian Minister of Cyprus’s readiness to continue actively supporting the relevant efforts.

For his part, Mr. Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its steadfast support for Albania’s European path, as well as for the role played by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in advancing the enlargement process.

The Albanian Minister also reaffirmed his country’s support for efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem through dialogue, based on international law and the principles of multilateralism.

During the meeting, reference was also made to the role of parliamentary diplomacy and the need to further strengthen relations between the parliaments of Cyprus and Albania, through increased exchanges at various levels.

Finally, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, as well as on common challenges facing European countries, such as migration, energy security, defense, and maintaining stability in the broader Mediterranean region.