Nicosia: European Council President Antonio Costa will be in Nicosia on Wednesday for the official launch of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the schedule released by the European Council on Monday evening indicates that Costa is set to meet with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday. At 6:00 pm, Costa will deliver a speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
During the EU leaders' summit last December, Costa expressed his anticipation for close cooperation with Cyprus over the next six months, focusing on strengthening Europe.
On Tuesday, Costa and von der Leyen will travel to Paris for the "Coalition of the Willing" for Ukraine meeting, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Leaders attending are expected to discuss negotiations for a framework for peace, security guarantees, and further support for Kyiv. Costa has emphasized that strengthening Ukraine is crucial for negotiating with Russia.
On Thursday, Costa and von der Leyen will visit Amman for the first EU-Jordan Summit with King Abdullah II. Discussions will center on political and economic cooperation under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement signed in January 2025, along with regional challenges.
The tour concludes on Friday, January 9, with visits to Damascus and Beirut. In Syria, they will meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and in Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun, as part of efforts to enhance the EU's political dialogue with the region amid a changing geopolitical landscape.