Rome: Cyprus and Italy are strengthening their partnership with common goals in the EU and Mediterranean, as highlighted by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during their meeting in Rome. The meeting marked President Christodoulides' official visit to Italy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the two leaders announced plans to draft a joint partnership document addressing shared priorities. President Christodoulides emphasized Italy's positive relations with Turkey, which could aid in resolving the Cyprus issue and enhancing EU-Turkey relations. He praised Prime Minister Meloni as a significant voice in the European Council.
During his two-day visit, President Christodoulides arrived at Palazzo Chigi and was welcomed by Prime Minister Meloni. They held a private meeting followed by media statements. President Christodoulides described the talks as productive, confirming strong cooperation and open dialogue between the nations.
The visit aims to bolster bilateral cooperation, emphasizing coordination with Italy, a founding EU member state, in the context of Cyprus' EU Council Presidency. The leaders reaffirmed strong bilateral relations, highlighting collaboration in energy, security, and trade, with Italian company Eni active in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone.
The President announced a joint partnership document to enhance cooperation on common priorities, stressing the Mediterranean identity linking Cyprus and Italy. He highlighted Cyprus' EU Presidency's focus on deepening EU relations with the Middle East and Southern Neighbourhood.
President Christodoulides announced plans for an expanded EU leaders' meeting in Cyprus in April, with leaders from Southern Neighbourhood states to discuss projects under the new Pact for the Mediterranean. Cyprus and Italy will also collaborate on the EU strategy for islands and coastal communities.
The leaders discussed migration and competitiveness within the European Council, with President Christodoulides briefing Meloni on Cyprus' efforts to resolve its issue with Turkey. He thanked Italy for contributing personnel to UNPOL, supporting stability in Cyprus.
Prime Minister Meloni expressed satisfaction with the meeting, praising Cyprus' role during its EU Presidency. She highlighted the strategic alignment of Cyprus and Italy on various issues and their efforts to center Mediterranean concerns in the EU. The MED9 summit in Paphos was cited as a positive step, with invitations extended to neighboring Mediterranean countries for the upcoming summit in Cyprus.
Meloni commended Cyprus for innovative migration solutions and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in economy, investment, and energy security, supporting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
In conclusion, Meloni thanked President Christodoulides for their ongoing cooperation and future work together.