Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, emphasized close coordination between Athens and Nicosia during their meeting at the Maximos Mansion on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The discussion took place amid renewed diplomatic momentum around the Cyprus issue.
A Shared Diplomatic Commitment
Mitsotakis welcomed Demetriou, congratulating her on her re-election and underscoring the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. He described her role as an “exceptionally high mission” — both domestically and internationally — noting her contribution to raising global awareness of the Cyprus issue. He also praised Cyprus’s successful presidency of the Council of the European Union, calling the international recognition of its work “universal.”
Focus on the Cyprus Issue
The Cyprus issue stood at the heart of the talks. Mitsotakis stressed that there is now “substantial diplomatic movement” on the matter and said it is “our duty to remain fully coordinated at all times.” He recalled that Athens and Nicosia have consistently acted in unison over recent years.
For her part, Demetriou thanked Greece for its unwavering support, stating clearly: “Athens was, is, and will remain our strongest fraternal ally.” That statement captured the political tone of the meeting — a unified stance, without caveats, at a time when the Cyprus issue has returned to the forefront of regional diplomacy.
She highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation between the two countries’ parliaments, especially on defence, security, and EU policy. Parliamentary diplomacy, she noted, goes beyond ceremonial functions — it can meaningfully strengthen the strategic alignment of Athens and Nicosia.
EU Dimension and Greco-Turkish Relations
The leaders also discussed broader European challenges and the state of Greco-Turkish relations. Demetriou said Cyprus’s efforts are focused on sustaining diplomatic momentum toward “real progress” on the Cyprus issue. Mitsotakis linked Cyprus’s EU presidency experience to Greece’s upcoming presidency, saying Nicosia had set a high bar — a success that serves as both inspiration and practical guidance for Athens, particularly in managing complex EU dossiers.
Democratic Rally Role
Mitsotakis also acknowledged Demetriou’s leadership of the Democratic Rally (DISY), noting that her party’s electoral performance exceeded expectations — a factor that facilitated her re-election as Speaker. Demetriou responded by stressing that her new term brings “greater responsibility,” and that progress is always collective. She also expressed pride in Greece’s trajectory over recent years, describing it as having evolved into one of…