Madrid: President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, held a crucial meeting on Monday with Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, to discuss the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and other significant bilateral matters.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides outlined the priorities for the Cyprus Presidency, which is set for the first half of 2026, with a focus on the Mediterranean dimension. This meeting marked Spain as the first EU member state visited by the President as he prepares for Cyprus’s role in the EU Council.
During the discussions, President Christodoulides emphasized the priority areas for Cyprus’s 2026 EU Presidency, particularly regarding Mediterranean issues such as migration. He also briefed the Spanish Prime Minister on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue ahead of a planned expanded conference in Geneva in July. The leaders explored how Spain could assist in resuming talks based on EU principles and values.
The meeting further highlighted the robust cooperation between Cyprus and Spain, with discussions on enhancing ties in defense, security, culture, education, and tourism. The prospect of signing bilateral agreements in these areas was also considered.
Additionally, the dialogue covered the Middle East, with an agreement on the necessity for increased EU involvement in the region, particularly in Syria and Lebanon. The conversation also addressed EU-US relations, stressing strategic autonomy and the strengthening of EU competitiveness, alongside cooperation with the US.
Later, President Christodoulides met with King Felipe of Spain at the Palace, accompanied by Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, and other officials. Earlier, Raouna conferred with Spanish Deputy Minister for EU Affairs, Fernando Sampedro Marcos.
The President is scheduled to travel to Portugal this afternoon for a working visit to meet with the country’s Prime Minister.