Nicosia: The President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, expressed her sincere appreciation for Ireland’s steadfast support towards resolving the Cyprus problem during a meeting with the new Irish Ambassador to Cyprus, Sarah Hamilton. Demetriou acknowledged Ireland’s commitment to the principles of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as well as its long-standing contribution to the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou reaffirmed the Greek Cypriot side’s dedication to resuming negotiations for resolving the Cyprus issue as soon as possible. She expressed hope that the upcoming trilateral meeting in New York, involving the UN Secretary General, the President of Cyprus, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, would be fruitful.
During the meeting, both officials highlighted the strong transnational and interparliamentary relations between Cyprus and Ireland, emphasizing prospects for further cooperation based on shared principles and values. Ambassador Hamilton noted that both Cyprus and Ireland, as island states on the EU’s external borders, share a division experience, which they are leveraging to strengthen their roles within the EU and promote cooperation and solidarity.
In anticipation of Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, Demetriou emphasized the importance of close coordination with Ireland, given their consecutive EU Presidencies. She informed the Ambassador about the preparations of the Cyprus House of Representatives in the context of the parliamentary dimension of Cyprus’ Presidency.
The discussion also covered various challenges both countries will face during their successive Presidencies, including discussions on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, defense and security issues, and EU enlargement. The officials also addressed the need for effective EU-level strategies to combat extremism, propaganda, and public discourse toxicity, particularly affecting women and young people’s participation in public life.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third of the island. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved. The latest negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without agreement.