Zagreb: A key priority of the Cyprus EU Presidency will be advancing the European Union’s enlargement agenda including for the Western Balkans, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday, speaking at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic, after their meeting in Zagreb.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that this visit marked the first bilateral visit by a President of the Republic of Cyprus to Croatia in nearly two decades. The visit is part of efforts to engage with EU member states as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 70 days. He assured the Prime Minister that Cyprus will act as an honest broker during its presidency, focusing on European integration, strategic autonomy, and unity.
The President reiterated Cyprus’s commitment to the European Union’s enlargement agenda, particularly for the Western Balkans. He stated that Cyprus supports the EU’s open-door policy, which is based on merit and the fulfillment of established criteria. Enlargement is viewed as a strategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity for the continent. Cyprus aims to maintain momentum in the accession process of candidate countries and ensure that enlargement remains prominent on the EU’s agenda.
Regarding international issues, President Christodoulides reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. He highlighted that reinforcing the EU’s relationship with the wider Middle East will be a priority during Cyprus’s presidency. The new pact for the Mediterranean is seen as an opportunity to strengthen relations with southern neighborhood partners through projects that enhance connectivity, sustainability, and regional stability.
President Christodoulides also discussed the Cyprus problem with Prime Minister Plenkovic, expressing appreciation for Croatia’s continued support for a comprehensive solution aligned with UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles. On bilateral ties, he identified defense as a promising area for collaboration, noting an upcoming Memorandum of Cooperation in Security and Defence aimed at structured and enhanced collaboration.
In response to a question about maintaining unity with the US on Ukraine, President Christodoulides welcomed any initiative that would end Ukraine’s foreign invasion and occupation. He emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in discussions related to its future to ensure a successful outcome.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 due to Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite repeated UN-led peace talks, a resolution remains elusive. The last round of negotiations, held in July 2017 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ended without results.