Nicosia: Cyprus Parliamentarians, members of the House Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, have expressed their solidarity and support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. This declaration came after a meeting on Tuesday with a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget).
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ammar Ali, Chair of the Danish delegation, conveyed his appreciation for the support and solidarity expressed by the Republic of Cyprus towards Denmark in relation to Greenland. Ali also highlighted that his recent visit to the buffer zone in old Nicosia enhanced his understanding of the Cyprus issue, which he referred to as "an open wound" for the people of Cyprus.
Danish Ambassador to Cyprus, Per Fabricius Andersen, who is based in Athens, reiterated Denmark's unwavering support for resolving the Cyprus problem according to the agreed United Nations framework.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for MPs to discuss the strong relations between Cyprus and Denmark and to express a mutual desire to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations and their parliaments. This is particularly relevant in the context of the current Cyprus EU Presidency.
The Cyprus delegation included Harris Georgiades, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, and members Marios Mavrides (Deputy Chairman), Averof Neophytou, George Loukaides, Christiana Erotokritou, Chrysis Pantelidis, and Alexandra Attalides. The Danish delegation was represented by MPs Ammar Ali (head), Alexander Ryle, Yildiz Akdogan, and Theresa Scavenius.
Georgiades commended the collaboration among the countries of the Trio Presidency (Poland-Denmark-Cyprus), emphasizing its importance at both the EU Council level and within the parliamentary dimension of the Cyprus Presidency. He stressed the importance of continuity and coherence in executing the common agenda and priorities of the Trio.
Georgiades discussed the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, which include the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), competitiveness, and the EU's strategic autonomy. He also stated that the Cyprus Presidency will aim for the EU's more active involvement in the region.
He also mentioned the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion on the island and the positive economic recovery following Cyprus's accession to the EU. Furthermore, Georgiades addressed the growing geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The discussions between Danish and Cyprus MPs also explored the potential benefits of Cyprus's good neighbourly relations with countries in the Middle East and Asia, as noted in the press release.