Nicosia: House President Annita Demetriou received Thursday the Ambassador of Italy to Cyprus, Federica Ferrari Bravo as she concludes her tenure on the island. Demetriou expressed her gratitude for the close and constructive cooperation between the House and the Embassy of Italy and for the Ambassador's contribution to the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou highlighted the potential for further strengthening dialogue and exchanges at the parliamentary level. The President of the House noted the milestone of Cyprus on the helm of the Council of the European Union, stressing the need for a stronger Europe to address the current complex challenges.
Demetriou made particular reference to the threats that democracy faces today, as a result of the rise of extreme ideologies, sensationalism, and hate speech, mainly on social media. Ferrari Bravo expressed her hope for a solution to the Cyprus problem for the benefit of the Cypriot people and wished that the Cyprus Presidency would be substantive and successful, so that the European Union could oppose a strong and united front against the challenges and practices that violate international law and European principles and values.
The House President and the Ambassador also exchanged views on issues of regional and international interest, as well as on the important role that parliaments and parliamentary diplomacy are called upon to play in a volatile international environment.