Ηοuse President and Ambassador of Vietnam discuss Cyprus issue, bilateral ties

The Cyprus issue and the recent informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format in Geneva as well as bilateral relations were discussed at a meeting between the President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou and the Ambassador of Vietnam to Cyprus, based in Rome, Duong Hai Hung.

The Ambassador is visiting the island for contacts on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the 27 March meeting, according to a press release by the House of Representatives, the friendly relations between Cyprus and Vietnam were reaffirmed and the common will to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest was expressed. Particular reference was made to the possibilities of further strengthening cooperation and exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries.

The House President expressed Cyprus' appreciation for Vietnam's principled stance as regards the Cyprus solution.

She stressed Greek Cypriot side's commitment to the goal of achieving a just and sustainable solution, on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, in accordance with international law and the UN resolutions. Demetriou expressed the hope that what was agreed at the meeting on Cyprus in a broader format in Geneva on 17 and 18 March, will lead to the resumption of substantive talks.

The Vietnamese Ambassador referred to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which, he said, are based on mutual respect and common principles and values.

Hung reaffirmed Vietnam's principled position on the Cyprus problem and expressed his country's readiness to strengthen ties with Cyprus at all levels.

He also referred to the Republic of Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, expressing his country’s wish to promote cooperation in this context.

The Ambassador also conveyed his country’s gratitude for the ratification by the House of Representatives, last February, of the Investment Protection Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the Republic of Vietnam, noting that, so far, the Agreement has been ratified by nineteen Member States.

He underlined the importance of its ratification by all EU Member States, so that it can enter into force.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary General announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18.

Antonio Guterres also announced that he will appoint a new personal envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, while the two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.

(Source: CNA)