Cyprus Parliamentary Delegation Calls on President Murmu

A high-level parliamentary delegation from Cyprus, led by the President of the House of Representatives, H.E. Ms. Annita Demetriou, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 26, 2025. The meeting underscored the enduring friendship between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to democratic ideals and mutual interests. The visit, coinciding with India’s Constitution Day, provided a symbolic backdrop for discussions centered on shared parliamentary traditions and the deepening of bilateral ties.

Strengthening Democratic Bonds

Welcoming the delegation, President Murmu highlighted that India and Cyprus are close partners bound by a common dedication to democratic values and strong parliamentary traditions. She noted that the timing of the visit was particularly significant, describing Constitution Day as an "ideal occasion" to share democratic and parliamentary experiences with a trusted partner like Cyprus. The President reaffirmed that the partnership is anchored in a "shared strategic vision and mutual respect," serving as a foundation for stability and cooperation in their respective regions.

Expanding Horizons of Cooperation

The discussion covered the extensive growth in bilateral relations witnessed in recent years. President Murmu noted that political contacts, economic cooperation, defence partnerships, and cultural ties have all deepened significantly. While acknowledging this progress, she emphasized that India-Cyprus economic ties still hold “immense potential for expansion”. Furthermore, the President expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the two nations in multilateral fora, specifically within the United Nations, the European Union, and the Commonwealth framework, reinforcing their shared commitment to global stability.

Celebrating Women in Leadership

A key highlight of the interaction was the focus on women’s leadership in governance. President Murmu expressed happiness in noting that Ms. Annita Demetriou serves as the first woman and the youngest Speaker of the House of Representatives of Cyprus. Describing Ms. Demetriou’s achievement as an "inspiration not only to women in Cyprus but to women around the world," the President took the opportunity to apprise the delegation of the growing democratic participation of women in India. She highlighted that millions of women are actively participating in public life through the Panchayat Raj system and referenced the landmark Act passed to ensure one-third reservation for women in the lower house of Parliament and state legislatures.

A Vision for Future Collaboration

Looking ahead, President Murmu expressed hope that the delegation’s visit would allow them to gain valuable insights into India's democracy and parliamentary functioning. She voiced confidence that such high-level parliamentary exchanges would further strengthen the friendly relations between India and Cyprus, paving the way for continued collaboration across all sectors.