Mr. Speaker, as Cyprus is celebrating the 64th anniversary of its independence, I am thinking about my first visit there in July, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion.
This tragic event caused death and destruction and displaced thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, who left the island.
Those who remained in the Greek Cypriot area built a democratic nation with a thriving economy as part of the European Union, welcoming both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. I visited the UN buffer zone and met two Canadian peacekeepers by the monument honouring the 28 Canadians who lost their lives in Cyprus. The Canadian flag we brought with us is now flying proudly next to the monument. Canada and Cyprus established strong diplomatic relations 64 years ago and continue to focus on peace and stability.
Canada continues to support the two communities' efforts to find an acceptable path toward reunification for an inclusive future, making Cyprus a beacon of hope and prosperity in the region.