Brussels: Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, George Papastasiou, participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Trade configuration on Monday. During the deliberations in Brussels, Papanastasiou expressed Cyprus’ support for expanding the EU’s network of trade agreements and outlined the priorities of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency in trade.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting of the Council focused on key trade negotiations, including the EU’s ongoing talks with third countries and discussions on EU-US and EU-China economic ties. The ministers underscored the EU’s commitment to expanding its trade partnerships amidst global economic challenges.
An announcement following the meeting highlighted that discussions particularly centered on negotiations with India. European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefcovic, briefed the ministers of the 27 member states on the European Commission’s efforts to secure a trade agreement with significant economic benefits for the EU. In his remarks
, Papanastasiou emphasized the strategic importance of concluding negotiations with India.
The ministers also participated in an informal working lunch with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The conversation focused on mutual interests and shared challenges, with an emphasis on supply chains, economic security, and the global trading system. Papanastasiou, welcoming the presence of the US officials, highlighted the importance of collaboration with the US within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), in anticipation of the Ministerial Conference during Cyprus’ Presidency.
Additionally, discussions on EU-China trade relations were held, where the complexity of the existing trade and economic relationship was addressed, with efforts to make it more balanced and mutually beneficial.
Before the meeting concluded under the Danish Presidency, Papanastasiou presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency in trade. He noted that the Cypriot Presiden
cy will focus on advancing trade agreements, preparing for the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, and strengthening transatlantic trade relations.
On the sidelines of the Council, the Minister of Energy also conducted a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart, Nicolas Forissier, where they discussed issues of mutual interest ahead of Cyprus’ assumption of the EU Council Presidency.