House President Annita Demetriou led a parliamentary delegation to India and concluded the official trip on Thursday with a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
They discussed the Cyprus problem, bilateral relations and Cyprus’s upcoming EU Council Presidency.
High Commissioner Evagoras Vryonides accompanied the delegation, which included MPs Nikos Tornaritis, Aristos Damianou and Christiana Erotokritou.
Speaker Birla welcomed the Cypriot visitors, highlighted the shared historical bonds, common democratic journey and rapidly expanding cooperation. He reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for Cyprus and praised India’s long-standing contribution to UNFICYP since 1964.
He also congratulated Ms. Demetriou on becoming the first female House President and commended her work on gender equality in Cyprus and on international platforms. He then outlined India’s own legislative measures in this field.
Commitment to UN-Based solution and island reunification stressed
President Demetriou thanked India for its principled, decades-long backing on the Cyprus issue. She stressed that Cyprus still suffers from Turkey’s 1974 invasion, ongoing occupation and escalating provocations. She reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to a solution based on international law and UN resolutions that reunites the island in lasting peace and security.
Cyprus Pledges Strong Support for Deeper EU–India Cooperation
She assured Speaker Birla that Cyprus remains a reliable partner for India and will actively promote stronger EU-India cooperation, especially during the Cypriot EU Presidency.
Both leaders noted excellent prospects for deeper collaboration in defence, technology, innovation, shipping, tourism, mobility and connectivity, building on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus and the new 2025-2029 Joint Action Plan.
They agreed to boost parliamentary ties at bilateral and multilateral levels, using technology to exchange know-how, best practices and organise visits between corresponding committees and the existing Friendship Groups.
Before the talks, President Demetriou signed the Visitors’ Book and toured both Houses of the Indian Parliament with the delegation.
During the visit she also gave interviews to Indian TV channels and newspapers.
The delegation returns to Cyprus on Friday afternoon.
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