European parliament President Roberta Metsola on Saturday described her visit to Cyprus as “a message of our commitment to this country”.

Speaking upon her visit to the presidential palace, she pointed out the frequency of her visits to the island, having travelled to Cyprus on four occasions since being elected as European parliament president in 2022.

“This is a message of our commitment to this country and your leadership and the very bright future for which we can work together,” she told President Nikos Christodoulides.

She also highlighted the relatively high 59 per cent turnout of voters in Cyprus at last year’s European parliament elections.

“Last year, Cypriots went to vote in large numbers in the European elections, and we see this as a commitment to the EU as a member state, as a belief that solutions can be found at a European level, and that Cyprus and its citizens are an integral part of the EU,” she said.

As such, she added, “the European parliament always stands by your side”, adding her thanks to Christodoulides for “your leadership and your efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, for which we will continue to support you”.

She also briefly spoke on the matter of Cyprus’ aim to join the Schengen zone, saying the European parliament “will always be by your side and will actively support you”.

On this matter, Christodoulides said his government is “working hard to make 2026, in time, Schengen for Cyprus”.

“2026 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Schengen agreement, and we count on your support to achieve this strategic goal for Cyprus and the European Union,” he told Metsola.

He also pointed out that the visit comes a few months ahead Cyprus’ undertaking of the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency.

“We are working intensively to have an ambitious, results-oriented presidency, which will lead us closer to more integration, to a more autonomous EU. The European parliament has a vital role to play, and I am confident that we will work together for a successful presidency,” he said.

He also touched on the Cyprus problem, saying the EU “has a very important role to play” and that it “has the tools to lead us to a successful outcome”.

“I thank you for your clear position and your long-term support,” he said.