Nicosia: The new Ambassador of Japan to Cyprus, Iwasaki Satoshi, was received on Monday by the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, on the occasion of the assumption of his duties. The two officials expressed their shared intention to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the House stated in a press release that during the meeting, the contribution of establishing Embassies in both countries to the further enhancement of relations between the two states was highlighted. In this context, the common will to reinforce bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest was underlined, and particular emphasis was placed on the importance of further strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries through enhanced exchanges.
The President of the House expressed sincere appreciation for Japan’s principled stance and steadfast support regarding the Cyprus issue.
On his part, Iwasaki reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to international law and his country’s principled position in favour of resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as provided in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.
Finally, Annita Demetriou expressed the readiness of the House of Representatives to support, in every possible way, the work of the Japanese Ambassador and to contribute to the implementation of initiatives and actions aimed at further deepening relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Japan.
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.