The Presidential Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) expressed solidarity with Cyprus and its people during a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace on Monday morning. “Cyprus remains a safe place,” PACE President Petra Bayr said in statements after the meeting.

The discussions covered the Cyprus issue, the war in Iran, and the priorities of the Cypriot EU Council Presidency.

Welcoming the Committee members President Christodoulides expressed his appreciation for their presence in Cyprus. Referring to regional developments and the war in Iran, he emphasised Cyprus’ long-standing humanitarian role and stressed that citizens’ security remains a top European priority.

George Loukaides, AKEL MP and President of the Left Group in PACE, noted that the Committee’s visit highlights the EU Council Presidency and developments in the Cyprus issue, while also sending “a clear message of solidarity” following the war in Iran.

“At the same time, it signals that Cyprus remains a safe destination,” he added.

Loukaides described the discussions, attended by all PACE political group leaders, as “very constructive.”

In her statements, President Bayr underlined that “we defend the values promoted by PACE, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.” She warned that “international law and order are under attack due to wars and attempts by some powers to assert dominance,” expressing concern over the ongoing war in Iran and Europe’s increasing involvement.

“We are here to express our solidarity with Cyprus and its people. Cyprus remains a safe place,” she stressed.

She said she was “confident that after the upcoming elections, we will continue working with our Cypriot colleagues constructively and progressively, defending our shared values.”