President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou stressed the need to evaluate and readapt strategies implemented in the past, to meet the challenges of the future, especially in the fields of energy, food security and climate change.
She was addressing the 15th Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Small European States, hosted by the country’s Parliament, between 12 and 14 June 2022 held in Monaco.
In her speech, she said Cyprus is faced with additional obstacles in handling the challenges presented due to the repercussions of the continued occupation of part of the island’s territory by Turkey and the continued Turkish provocations and violations against the Republic of Cyprus.
Demetriou also stressed the need for cooperation and developing synergies both between the private and public sectors as well as between neighbouring states and especially the cooperation between small European states. This, she said, will help exchange practices and address challenges in relation to the particularities of these states.
The flexibility which describes the economies of small states allows them to adapt and easily diversify, something which is very significant in times of crisis, she added.
Cyprus, she added, has experienced important social and economic consequences, resulting from the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation. However, it has managed to regroup due to its targeted policies, hardworking, trained human resource and the private sector’s potential.
She said parliaments have a significant role to play in difficult times in history and that synergies and cooperation can be achieved only through economic viability and stability.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
Source: Cyprus News Agency