Slovenia expresses support for end to Cyprus division

The President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič, has expressed support to the efforts, internationally and in the EU, to finally, after 50 years of division, reunite the Republic of Cyprus and solve the Cyprus issue through a viable comprehensive settlement.

She made the remark during the opening of an exhibition of Slovenian Artwork entitled "The touch of a Slovenian Painter" at the Limassol Municipal University Library on the occasion of the Slovenian Speaker's official visit to Cyprus at the invitation of the Cypriot House President Annita Demetriou, who expressed the wish for the collaboration between the two countries to expand across various fields, at all levels, bilateral, European and multilateral.

In her speech Zupančič said Slovenia and Cyprus are long-time friends that have in more than 30 years of diplomatic relations developed close ties in Europe and beyond. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of both countries’ membership in the European Union and in these two decades, Slovenia and Cyprus have not only developed immensely as individual countries but have also demonstrated profound dedication to the common European project and the diversity it signifies and celebrates, with intense cooperation also during the Presidencies to the Council of the EU.

She expressed confidence that in the future the two countries will further realise the untapped potential of their relationship, particularly in the field of economy, also with the help and commitment by the Slovenian Embassy.

Zupančič welcomed the official establishment of the Association of Cypriot-Slovenian Friendship that was officially established at the initiative of the country's Honorary Consul General in Limassol, Dr Evros Alexandrou.

She further said that Slovenia and Cyprus may be separated by miles, "but through the brushstrokes of Slovenian artists, we find a connection that brings us closer together."

Zupančič also expressed Slovenia's "sincere hope and all the support for the efforts, international and in the EU, to finally, after 50 years of division, reunite the Republic of Cyprus and solve the Cyprus issue through a viable comprehensive settlement, based on the agreed UN framework and EU principles and values".

In her speech, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Tamara Weingerl Požar said the new Friendship Association "is an excellent platform for cultural and economic exchange, exchange of thoughts and ideas that will bring our peoples even closer together".

She reiterated Slovenia's support for all the efforts to reunite the island, adding that her country eagerly awaits the results of the talks and efforts by María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Personal Envoy of the UNSG on Cyprus.

Pozar also referred to the Slovenian troops returning to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) later this year, the cooperation between the two countries at the EU, expressed wishes for the Cyprus EU Presidency in the first half of 2026, and said she was very pleased that talks are underway for cooperation between Cyprus Air and Ljubljana Airport. The direct air connection would undoubtedly bring new opportunities and possibilities for even closer cooperation, she added.

In her address, the Cypriot House President said that she is confident that the Cyprus-Slovenia Friendship Association, which has just been established, will significantly contribute to enhancing social and cultural exchanges between the two countries and peoples and will thus substantially contribute to further deepening mutual understanding and people-to-people contacts between our two countries.

The exhibition titled “The Touch of a Slovenian Painter”, comprising exclusively artworks from Dr Alexandrou's private collection, presents creations by ten prominent Slovenian artists with different characteristics, styles and life stories, illustrating that the coexistence, under the same roof, of diversity in expression and love for art can offer visitors a beautiful experience.

In these critical times of multiple challenges, affecting all countries with no exception, cultural diplomacy proves to be an extremely valuable tool, said Demetriou, noting that Slovenia and Cyprus have many common characteristics, which provide solid ground for further developing bilateral collaboration. She further wished that their collaboration expands across various fields, at all levels, bilateral, European and multilateral.

(Source: CNA)