Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, George Karoullas, had a meeting on Thursday with the Ambassador of Brazil, Ana Maria de Souza Bierrenbach with whom he discussed bilateral cooperation, the Cyprus issue, Mercosur, regional developments and international issues.
A press release issued by the House of Representatives says that Karoullas referred to the traditionally friendly relations between Cyprus and Brazil, as well as to the prospects for strengthening bilateral ties particularly at the parliamentary level. Particular reference was made to planned actions between the Friendship Groups in the two parliaments.
The MP also expressed Cyprus’ appreciation for Brazil's principled stance on the Cyprus issue and the efforts to achieve a solution that will reunite the country in conditions of peace, security and prosperity for all Cypriots.
He stressed, in this regard, that the solution must be within the agreed UN framework , on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with one sovereignty, one international personality and one citizenship, underlining that a two-state solution cannot be accepted.
Karoullas also thanked Brazil for its contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
He also expressed the hope that the exercise of pressure on Turkey to achieve progress in the upcoming negotiations will translate into substantial steps. Karoullas also referred to the importance of the involvement of the European Union in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.
Regarding the issue of Mercosur, Karoullas noted the importance of the signing of the Partnership Agreement with the EU and the provisional application of its trade component. He also underlined the mutual benefits that can arise for Cyprus and Brazil in the areas of trade and investment.
Brazil's Ambassador reaffirmed her country's firm position of principles regarding the Cyprus issue, as well as her country's commitment to international law, the territorial integrity of states and multilateral cooperation.
She also expressed the readiness of the Brazilian side to strengthen cooperation with the House of Representatives, noting that the establishment of Friendship Groups in the two parliaments can be an essential tool for promoting contacts.
De Souza Bierrenbach underlined the role of the Mercosur Agreement in strengthening relations between the EU and Latin America, noting the particular importance that Brazil attaches to both the economic and political dimensions of the agreement.
She pointed out that Cyprus can act as a hub for cooperation and referred, in this regard, to the possibilities for further developing trade relations between the parties.
During the meeting Karoullas and the Ambassador also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including regional and international developments, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation on international issues, such as the fight against corruption and environmental protection.
