House Speaker Annita Demetriou has said that the first visit of a President of Sierra Leone to Cyprus gives a significant boost to the development of relations and cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest and at various levels, including the parliaments, through the establishment of a mechanism for regular dialogue and exchanges.
Demetriou who met with President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Wonie Bio, the first President of the country to visit Cyprus, on 13 November, stressed the importance of Cyprus as an economic and educational hub and a pillar of security and stability in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
According to an official press release, she also thanked the President for the firm position of principles and the support of Sierra Leone as regards the Cyprus problem, particularly in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the two-year period 2024 – 2025.
The President of Sierra Leone underlined his country’s commitment to strengthening relations and cooperation with Cyprus, particularly in the areas of education, shipping, fisheries, agriculture and the use of modern technologies.
Regarding the Cyprus problem, he noted that his country is in favor of the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports a peaceful and lasting solution in Cyprus, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.
He also referred to Sierra Leone’s current presidency of the UN Security Council, as well as his country’s participation in the working groups on the reform of the Organisation, stressing Sierra Leone’s commitment to international law and multilateralism.
The House Speaker and the President also referred to the migration issue, noting that effective migration management requires further promotion of cooperation with the countries of origin of migrants and the creation of opportunities and prospects for the high percentage of young people in these countries, so that they do not abandon their countries and thus reduce migration flows to Europe.
They noted the importance of providing quality education to the youth of Sierra Leone. Demetriou referred to the strategic position of Cyprus between Europe and the Middle East and Africa and the possibility of contributing to advancing these issues and to placing more emphasis on addressing the root causes of irregular migration, particularly in the context of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Finally, they exchanged views on the respective legislation and policies adopted by the two countries to promote the empowerment of women and their greater participation in public life, and underlined the importance of exchanging experiences and good practices.
(Source: CNA)
