The Parliaments of Cyprus and Russia have once more reaffirmed their excellent relations and willingness to enhance cooperation on a regional, bilateral and international level.
President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou, heading a parliamentary delegation, paid Russia an official two – day visit at the invitation of the Chairman of the State Duma, Sergey Naryshkin.
The Cypriot delegation held a series of contacts in Moscow, including meetings with Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak, President of the State Duma Sergey Naryshkin, Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko. They discussed ways to further deepen bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem as well as the exploitation of the hydrocarbons reserves in Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone.
The President of the Russian Duma accepted an invitation from House President Omirou to pay Cyprus an official visit beginning of next year, while the President of the Upper House of the Russian Federation will also visit Cyprus.
President of the Russian Duma welcomed the Cypriot delegation in Moscow and referred to the excellent and friendly ties between the two states. In addition, he pointed out that there is still room to further develop bilateral relations.
Replying, Omirou said that Russia has always been a firm supporter of Cyprus’ sovereignty, recalling that in the 1960s the Soviet Union had prevented Turkish plans to invade Cyprus.
He also referred to Moscow’s support in 1974 when Cyprus was faced with total destruction after the Turkish invasion in the summer of that year.
Omirou said that Russia, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, supports the Cypriot positions and referred to Russia’s decisive role when in 2004 part of the international community wanted to impose an unfair solution plan, the so-called Annan plan, on the people of Cyprus.
Later on, the President of the House of Representatives signed the visitors’ book at the State Duma. Omirou referred to the excellent relations between the two states and expressed the conviction that their cooperation would continue to the best benefit of their peoples.
The Cypriot delegation comprises MPs Lefteris Christoforou, Deputy President of the ruling Democratic Rally, Nikos Katsourides, Parliamentary Representative of main opposition left wing AKEL party, Neophytos Constantinou, Parliamentary Representative of the co-ruling Democratic Party, George Barnabas, Vice President of the Social-democrats’ Movement EDEK, Dimitris Syllouris, President of the European Party and George Perdikes General Secretary of the Cyprus Green Party.
The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of its territory, despite numerous resolutions and decisions by the UN, the EU and other international organisations, calling for Turkey’s withdrawal from Cyprus.
