Nicosia: The House President Annita Demetriou received Thursday the new Ambassador of Finland, Päivi Peltokoski, with whom she discussed the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the representation of women in decision-making centers as well as bilateral cooperation in view of the Cypriot presidency of the EU in 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a press release by the Parliament states that during the meeting they discussed the very good level of bilateral relations, which are based on common principles and values. The House President and the Ambassador expressed the common will to further strengthen cooperation between the national parliaments.
Demetriou expressed her sincere appreciation for Finland’s long-standing principled stance in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and for Finland’s long-term participation in the UNFICYP military contingent. She stated that finding a just and sustainable solution, based on the UN Security Council Resolutions, can be a catalyst for t
he consolidation of peace, security, and stability, both in Cyprus and the wider region.
The President of the Parliament also referred to the disproportionate pressures that Cyprus, as a frontline island country, is facing and condemned the instrumentalization of the migration issue by Turkey. Regarding the Middle East, Demetriou underlined the need for immediate de-escalation and the readiness of Cyprus to contribute in every possible way towards this end, noting the initiatives undertaken by the Republic.
Ambassador Peltokoski reaffirmed her country’s principled position regarding the resolution of the Cyprus problem. She also expressed her country’s appreciation for Cyprus’ significant contribution to the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the “Amaltheia” initiative. On Ukraine, she noted the need for the uninterrupted continuation of the provision of multi-level assistance to the country.
Additionally, Ambassador Peltokoski highlighted the challenges Finland faces on its border with Russia a
nd referred to the measures her country has taken to address them. The urgent need for the EU to lead efforts for the effective management of this serious issue through a unified European strategy and the strengthening of the protection of the Union’s external borders was also emphasized during the meeting.
Furthermore, views were exchanged on issues related to the representation of women in leadership positions, including members of parliament, as well as the need for legislative regulation of the operation of social media to address fake news and disinformation. 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, with the latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ending inconclusively.