Nicosia: A delegation from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus (APPG CYP) at the British Parliament, currently on an official visit to Cyprus, has expressed its readiness to play a constructive role in enhancing exchanges between the United Kingdom and Cyprus within the framework of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation met with the head of the Cyprus delegation at the CPA, MP Aristos Damianou. The British Parliamentary delegation includes Group Chairman, Labour MP Bambos Charalambous, Group Vice-Chairman, Labour MP Dan Tomlinson, and Conservative MPs Sir Roger Gale (Honorary Group Chairman), Wendy Morton, Bob Blackman, and Martin Vickers. Accompanying the delegation was Christos Karaolis, Chairman of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom.
The delegation emphasized its readiness to reinforce exchanges within the CPA framework, a move they believe will bolster efforts against disinformation within the British Parliament by Turkey. Damianou noted that the existing cooperation between Cyprus and the United Kingdom within the CPA is productive and beneficial, contributing to stronger ties between the two nations and their legislative bodies. He expressed gratitude for the group’s ongoing efforts to inform the British Parliament and government about the Cyprus issue.
Damianou highlighted the group’s crucial role, especially with the renewed attempts to resume negotiations for a resolution to the Cyprus problem. He stressed the importance of pressuring Turkey, which he identified as holding the key to resolving the issue, and emphasized the UK’s role as a guarantor power.
During the meeting, discussions also covered mutual interests such as the access of Cypriot students to British universities, particularly in light of increased tuition fees post-Brexit, underscoring the significance of educational ties between the two countries.