The Cyprus issue, migration, the refugee crisis and bilateral relations were the focus of meetings the House President Demetris Syllouris had in Rome, where he is to attend the Extraordinary Conference of EU Speakers to mark the 60th anniversary since the Treaty of Rome, hosted by the Italian Chamber of Deputies and Senate.

According to an official press release, at the meeting with the President of the Senate, Pietro Grasso, Syllouris referred to the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the wider region and exchanged views on the issue of immigration and the refugee crisis, stressing the need to address the problem in a more equitable manner within EU.

Grasso and Syllouris also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral parliamentary relations, both on migration and energy matters as well as on economic issues, culture, education, science and technology.

Syllouris also met with his Italian counterpart Laura Boldrini, who stressed the need for Europe to understand that Cyprus is an integral part of the EU. She expressed support for a quick and fair solution to the Cyprus problem.

On his part, Syllouris referred to the prospects of a solution in the Cyprus issue, saying that Turkish intransigence is an obstacle in the peace effort.

The Presidents of the two Parliaments discussed immigration and the refugee crisis, highlighting the need for the EU to take more responsibility collectively and share the burden of the crisis more fairly.

They discuss enhanced cooperation between them through various initiatives in a wide range of areas, particularly in the field of culture.