London: The UK supports the UN and its vision, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Catherine West stated, emphasizing the UK’s readiness to contribute to unity efforts, supporting the UN. West made these remarks during the annual parliamentary meeting and reception organized by the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event featured Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna as the guest speaker, followed by discussions from a Foreign Office Minister and representatives from the UK’s major political parties. The meeting was attended by 25 UK Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament, and 150 representatives of the Cypriot diaspora.
Raouna addressed the assembly, highlighting Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency, where Cyprus will represent the 27 member states and focus on creating a stronger, safer, and more strategic EU. She also discussed Cyprus’ role
as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and provided an update on the Cyprus issue, noting the meeting’s proximity to the anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Catherine West emphasized the significance of the UK-Cyprus relationship amid global volatility, referencing the UK Prime Minister’s historic visit to Cyprus. She reiterated the UK’s support for the UN’s efforts to unite Cypriots and praised Cyprus for its leadership in encouraging Middle Eastern dialogue.
Shadow Europe Minister Wendy Morton MP remarked on the Conservative Party’s ongoing support for Cyprus’ reunification and a just resolution to the Cyprus issue. Morton highlighted the approaching 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion as a reminder of the urgent need for peace and reconciliation.
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP and SNP Spokesperson Stephen Gethins MP reinforced the importance of UK-Cyprus relations and the contributions of the Cypri
ot community to the UK. Honorary President of the APPG for Cyprus, Sir Roger Gale MP, critiqued the ongoing occupation and praised Cyprus’ humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.
Bambos Charalambous MP, Chairman of the APPG for Cyprus, chaired the reception, which concluded with a gathering where community representatives met Parliamentarians and Minister Raouna. Federation President Christos Karaolis celebrated the strengthening UK-Cyprus relations and emphasized the importance of UN frameworks in negotiations.
The meeting preceded an informal UN-facilitated meeting on the Cyprus issue in New York, announced by UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The dialogue aims to build on initiatives agreed upon in March, including opening crossing points and creating youth committees. The European Commission appointed Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus to aid in the settlement process, working closely with UN Personal Envoy María Angela Holguín Cuéllar.