India-EU FTA is a priority; Cyprus aims to reach deal during EU presidency in 2026, says Annita Demetriou

New Delhi (India), November 27 (ANI): As Cyprus prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the potential conclusion of the much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India is a paramount aspiration, according to Annita Demetriou, Speaker of the Cyprus House of Representatives.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Demetriou highlighted the strategic importance of India as a key ally and pledged Cyprus’ full support to accelerate the historic trade deal.
“We have to do it; we have to seal this, and we aspire to that, because we think India is a very important ally,” Demetriou said, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the deal.
“As a full member of the European Union for 20 years now, we will try to help in every way possible. Because we believe it is in our interest and that of Cyprus,” she said, adding that her country would send the message that “through synergies and collaborations we can do more.”
The Cypriot President also expressed his strong support for the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), seeing it as a key avenue for further collaboration.
“We are very supportive of IMEC and continued collaboration between Europe and India, and I think Cyprus can play a unique role in this, and I think very soon we will have very positive notifications on this,” she noted.
Discussing Cyprus’ potential contribution to strengthening the IMEC corridor, Demetriou highlighted the need to improve bilateral relations with India across multiple sectors.
“The first is that Cyprus, on a bilateral level, between Cyprus and India, should further intensify its relations in various sectors, such as, as you rightly mentioned, maritime transport, trade, education and connectivity,” she explained.
She stressed that at the European level, regarding IMEC and broader agreements between Europe and India, “we can do a lot”. She recognized growing regional interest in Indian collaboration.
“It is no coincidence that you have recently seen Greece and other countries aspire… I want further collaboration with India. And you can understand that in Cyprus we will play our own vital role in this,” she added.
Demetriou concluded this point by reiterating the presidency’s goal: “We want to see what more we can do to achieve this.”
Addressing the current situation regarding Turkey’s occupation of Northern Cyprus, President Demetriou expressed his deep gratitude for India’s unwavering support.
“We have always had your support. India has stood firmly with Cyprus all these years, which is positively in line with the Agreed Framework, namely the United Nations and Security Council resolutions,” she shared. “And we are very grateful for that.”
She specifically recognized India’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission. “Also, I must mention your presence in UNFICYP: all these years, India has supported us, and that is something we truly cherish.”
Demetriou stressed the profound importance of India’s position, hoping for a quick resolution. “Your support means a lot and we hope that soon we will also be able to establish peace, stability and security in our country,” she said.
In conclusion, she said: “Cyprus can be a catalyst for the security and enforcement of peace that we want for the neighborhood, for Europe and for the whole world. This is why we believe India has a strong position and leverage to comment on whatever we need. It must be transmitted in order to achieve this objective. » (ANI)