Siena:Cyprus' Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos criticized the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as he arrived at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, citing the negative impact on global trade in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos expressed Cyprus' strong condemnation of the attacks and emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to ensure free navigation.

Kombos also discussed the security implications of the European Union's enlargement, advocating for a merit-based approach to enhance the Union's security. He cautioned that failing to do so could undermine security within the EU.

Addressing issues with Turkey, Kombos stated he would inform the Council about the illegal Memorandum of Understanding between Turkey and the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, which includes plans for an underwater natural gas pipeline that contravenes international law and Cyprus' sovereign rights.

The minister highlighted Turkey's violations, reporting 659 incidents of airspace and exclusive economic zone breaches to the UN in July and August. He criticized Turkey's alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, noting it currently stands at only 4%. Kombos urged Turkey to view EU membership as an opportunity rather than an obligation.