House President Annita Demetriou met with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava to discuss the Cyprus problem and bilateral cooperation within the European Union.

House President Annita Demetriou met with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava on Monday to discuss the Cyprus problem and bilateral relations. Demetriou expressed appreciation for Slovakia’s support, including its participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

Diplomatic cooperation and peacekeeping

Demetriou emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and international law in resolving differences. She and Pellegrini also discussed cooperation between their nations within the European Union, noting that strengthening ties could create new opportunities for both peoples. Slovakia contributes to the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus, specifically overseeing Sector Four of the buffer zone. The Slovak embassy in Nicosia also facilitates meetings between political party representatives from both sides of the island at the Ledra Palace hotel.

Recent diplomatic challenges

The meeting follows recent concerns regarding the lack of progress in Cyprus negotiations following the United Nations General Assembly. UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin warned that a favorable window for opportunity is closing and noted that regional tensions could negatively impact Cyprus. Disagreements persist regarding a potential tripartite meeting in New York. While the Greek Cypriot side sought such a meeting, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman declined, stating that necessary conditions for progress were not met. Additionally, a letter from the Republic of Cyprus requesting that foreign diplomats avoid meeting Turkish Cypriots was criticized by Holguin as a move that complicates efforts to resume negotiations.