Cyprus' House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou on Friday expressed in her meeting with the new Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Cyprus, Mohamed Saif Helal Mohamed Al Shehhi, her conviction that the cordial cooperation developed between the House of Representatives and the Embassy of the UAE will continue.
According to a statement by the House of Representatives, Demetriou received Al Shehhi on the occasion of his assumption of his new duties.
Welcoming Al Shehhi, Demetriou wished him every success in his new duties and expressed confidence that the cordial cooperation developed between the House of Representatives and the UAE Embassy will continue, it said. The excellent level of Cyprus-UAE relations which have had a significant upgrade in recent years was noted from both sides, a fact that is reflected in the increase in bilateral exchanges, it adds.
It is also noted that the significant prospects for further development and expansion of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as the economy, tourism and investments, were highlighted. Emphasis was placed on the substantive contribution of parliamentary diplomacy to the achievement of common goals, for the benefit of the two peoples and peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region, especially in light of global challenges and in the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is noted.
Demetriou, pointing out that Cyprus remains the only divided country in Europe, emphasised the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to the goal of resuming negotiations to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, which would reunite the country in conditions of lasting peace and stability.
She also stressed, according to the announcement, that the resolution of the Cyprus issue was a pressing matter, as Turkey's provocations and illegal actions within the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, including the fenced area of occupied Famagusta, were intensifying.
Al Shehhi underlined that his country was a champion of peace in a volatile region, it adds. He praised the rapid progress in relations between the UAE and the Republic of Cyprus and underlined the importance his country attaches to further promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields and levels, including at parliamentary level, the announcement concludes.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency