Nicosia: A delegation from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus (APPG CYP) at the British Parliament, currently on a three-day official visit to Cyprus, held a meeting today with members of the Cypriot Parliament. Participants included the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Harris Georgiades, alongside Committee members Averof Neophytou, Marina Nicolaou, Chrisis Pantelides, and Kostis Efstathiou, as well as non-member Alexandra Attalidou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation includes Labour MPs Bambos Charalambous, Chair of the Group, Dan Tomlinson, Vice-Chair, and Conservative MPs Sir Roger Gale, Honorary Chairman, Wendy Morton, Bob Blackman, and Martin Vickers. They are accompanied by Christos Karaolis, President of the National Federation of Cypriots in the United Kingdom.
Georgiades welcomed the delegation by emphasizing the longstanding historical ties between Cyprus and the United Kingdom. He highlighted the UK’s significant role in addressing the Cyprus problem, identifying Turkey’s unyielding stance as the major obstacle to resolving the issue and reuniting Cyprus based on international law and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
Georgiades remarked that the Cyprus issue is not only a regional concern but also a European and international matter. Its resolution would lead to economic progress and peace in Cyprus and its surrounding areas. Despite the ongoing division caused by Turkey’s invasion and occupation, Cyprus continues to serve as a security pillar in the Eastern Mediterranean and maintains good relations with neighboring nations.
Charalambous praised Cyprus’ bridging role between Europe and the Middle East and commended its peace efforts, notably the ‘Amalthea’ initiative. Sir Roger Gale denounced Turkey’s actions in Cyprus as unacceptable, advocating for diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue during Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council Presidency in 2026.
During discussions, Cypriot MPs expressed that the two-state solution proposed by Turkey does not benefit all Cypriots and hoped for positive outcomes from the United Nations’ renewed negotiation efforts. The conversation also addressed post-Brexit educational challenges, with both sides recognizing the importance of educational exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.
The meeting concluded with Cypriot MPs acknowledging the Cypriot diaspora in the UK for their role in enhancing bilateral relations. Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion and occupation of its northern third, with past UN-led peace talks, including the 2017 discussions in Crans-Montana, ending without resolution.