Roberta METSOLA, EP President, gives her opening statement before the "This is Europe" debate with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

EU - Cyprus (T)

president's agenda

This is Europe Debate (T)

This is Europe - Debate with Nikos CHRISTODOULIDES, President of Cyprus: opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Dear colleagues, good morning. Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus in Strasbourg. Thank you, dear Nikos, for being here with us today. As part of our "This is Europe" series of debates to discuss our common agenda for Europe's future.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, It is testimony to your commitment as President and to Cyprus's commitment to Europe as the European Union continues to face unprecedented challenges on multiple fronts. Cyprus will play an important and strategic role in Europe's energy solution and ensuringthat the Mediterranean remains a sea of peace and prosperity and in pushing Europe forward in showing  that it is the size of ideas that matters more than geography.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Together, I know that we can find solutions to inter-generational questions. There is room to build trust. Cyprus's solidarity with Turkey after the earthquakes of last February was proof of that. And dear Nikos, let me be clear, you will not be left alone. Your challenges are Europe's, too. This is not just a Cyprus question, but a Europe question.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, The first thing that I said in this House when I was entrusted to lead it was to tell Cyprus that you are not alone, that Europe will never be complete as long as Cyprus remains divided. That we can use the power of Europe to find solutions and ways forward. This is why this European Parliament will continue to support our shared ambition to see the reunification of your island under the auspices of the UN peace plan.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, If Cyprus has taught you anything throughout history, it is the future is full of possibility. We all look forward to building a European future together with Cyprus. Dear President, dear Nikos, the floor is yours.