Nicosia: Geopolitical developments, the Cyprus issue ahead of a multilateral conference in New York in mid-July, the Cyprus EU Presidency in the first half of 2026, and bilateral ties were on the agenda of a meeting held Monday between the Chair and Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Romanian Senate, which is visiting Cyprus. The meeting was headed by the Chairman of the Committee, Harris Georgiades, and attended by parliamentarians Averof Neophytou, George Loukaides, George Koukoumas, Chrysis Pantelides, and Alexandra Attalides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation of the Romanian senate committee was led by Chairman Titus Corlatean, with members Simona Spataru and Sorin Lavric also in attendance. Georgiades remarked on the uncertain and challenging geopolitical situation, noting that these conditions lead to further instability in the region and impact the broader political situation in Europe. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting member states, as well as cooperation with third countries, as crucial in addressing these challenges.
Georgiades highlighted the significant role Cyprus can play in the wider region and Europe, referencing the upcoming assumption of the six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He stressed that the fait accompli of the Turkish invasion should not be accepted under any circumstances, underscoring that the Cyprus problem is a regional, European, and international issue. Resolving it, he noted, would bring economic progress, prosperity, and peace to Cyprus and the wider region.
On the topic of EU enlargement, Georgiades expressed Cyprus’s support, while underlining that it must be based on respect for the common principles and values of the EU, democracy, and human rights, without exception. The Cypriot MPs also expressed hope for the resumption of talks to achieve a sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem and the peaceful reunification of the island, in accordance with relevant UN Resolutions, during the upcoming expanded meeting in New York at the end of July.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Romanian Senate, Corlatean, highlighted the strong relations between Cyprus and Romania, extending to the parliamentary level, and the cooperation between the two countries in various fields. He also acknowledged the large Romanian community in Cyprus and expressed gratitude for the support provided to them. Corlatean assured that Romania would support the priorities of the Cyprus EU Presidency and also mentioned the recent elections in Romania and the formation of a new Government.
The Romanian Senators emphasized the importance of cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels in addressing the challenges Europe faces. A mutual desire was expressed to further strengthen relations between the Parliaments of Cyprus and Romania, as well as the cooperation of the two countries in areas of common interest.
Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to produce results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has announced an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July.