Nicosia: ?ouse President Annita Demetriou engaged in pivotal discussions with Moldovan President Maia Sandu during her official visit to Cyprus. The agenda included the Cyprus issue, the forthcoming Cyprus EU Presidency, the situation in Ukraine, and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, both Cyprus and Moldova reiterated their commitment to upholding the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of all states. They emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and European values as essential for maintaining peace and stability in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Demetriou highlighted the significance of President Sandu's visit, which comes just days before Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency. She underscored that both countries are navigating similar geopolitical challenges in an unstable environment. Demetriou pointed out that Cyprus's accession to the EU was primarily driven by security concerns and remains its strongest diplomatic asset.
Furthermore, Demetriou reassured Sandu of Cyprus's support for Moldova's European aspirations and expressed a willingness to accommodate third countries in the EU SAFE programme, provided they adhere to European principles. She also emphasized Cyprus's unique position as the only divided EU member state, advocating for the resumption of negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue in line with UNSC resolutions.
President Sandu reaffirmed Moldova's commitment to the Cyprus issue and shared Moldova's security challenges related to Russia. She emphasized that joining the EU is a top national priority for Moldova. Sandu also informed Demetriou about Moldova's progress towards energy independence from Russia, achieved with EU support, and discussed the situation in Transnistria and efforts towards social integration in the region.
The leaders exchanged perspectives on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Middle East situation. Demetriou stressed Cyprus's firm stance against the legitimization of territories seized by military force. Both leaders expressed their intent to further strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, including parliamentary cooperation.