Nicosia: Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties convened on Wednesday to deliberate on the integration of Greek and Turkish language education in primary schools across both communities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the discussion took place during a bicommunal meeting under the auspices of the Slovak Republic’s Embassy in Nicosia. The Social Democratic Party (TDP) proposed the topic, seeking to establish a bicommunal roadmap that would make the Greek and Turkish languages compulsory subjects in primary education for both communities.
The Joint Communiqu© of the meeting highlighted that party representatives shared their perspectives on the proposal. They acknowledged the importance of initiating a bilingual initiative from Lefkosia/Lefkosa and extending it across Cyprus. With backing from the UN and the EU, this effort aims to make learning both languages an essential element of elementary education in Cyprus.
The initiative is seen as a means to foster empathy, improve communication, and build understanding and trust between the communities, contributing to a sustainable resolution in Cyprus. The parties urged leaders to incorporate this subject into the agenda of the Bicommunal Technical Committee of Education and the newly formed Bicommunal Technical Committee of Youth, further promoting trust-building efforts towards a solution.
Additionally, the parties expressed their condolences over the catastrophic fires in Limassol and Paphos, which resulted in significant environmental damage and loss of life and property. The Communiqu© emphasized the importance of environmental concerns for all Cypriots and the need for solidarity at all levels.
The next assembly of the political parties’ leaders and representatives is scheduled for 24 September 2025, with the Democratic Rally (DISY) set to host.