The Cyprus problem and bilateral relations between Cyprus and Ireland in the fields of commerce, economy and tourism were discussed during the meetings Cyprus President Nicos Anastiasiades had on Tuesday at the Parliament of Ireland.

 

According to an official press release, Anastiasiades held separate meetings with the Chairman of the Lower House of the Parliament of Ireland Sean O Fearghail and the Chairman of the Senate Denis O’Donovan, at the Parliament building in Dublin. Special reference was made to the interest of Ireland in the Cyprus problem considering that Ireland is the third largest contributor to the Committee of Missing Persons in Cyprus, and is also one of the first countries that maintained a contingent in UNFICYP, the peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

 

During the meetings, the President of Cyprus informed his interlocutors about the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and the efforts to find a solution.

 

At the meeting with the Chairman of the Lower House, the Irish side briefed the President on the plans to set up a Friendship Group between the Irish Parliament and the Cyprus House of Representatives.

 

Commemorative gifts were exchanged during the meetings. The President of the Republic presented the Chairman of the Lower House with a silver copy of an amphora from the Kyrenia Ship, whereas the Chairman of the Lower House presented the President with a silver decorative clock containing the emblem of Ireland.

 

President Anastasiades presented the Chairman of the Senate with silver plate containing a printed image of a mouflon, whereas the Chairman of the Senate presented the President of the Republic with a copy of an Irish small ship.

 

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Anastasiade and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-led talks since May last year, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.

 

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