Ljubljana: Implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean is at the core of Cyprus EU Presidency priorities, President Nikos Christodoulides said Monday, at the joint Press Conference following the MED9 Summit, in Slovenia. The President noted that as the member state of the Union at the southeastern frontier, Cyprus is preparing to take the responsibility of the EU Presidency in just 71 days with full awareness of the challenges ahead and with a clear commitment to advance unity, reinforce our collective resilience, and elevate Mediterranean’s voice in the European debate.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the inseparable link between the security and prosperity of the Mediterranean and that of the European Union. He cited the situation in the Middle East, part of the Mediterranean, as having direct implications for Europe in terms of security, migration, and energy prices.
The Cyprus President also mentioned the recent meeting in Egypt regarding Gaza, expressing hope that it will usher in a new era of stability and prosperity not only for Palestinians and Israelis but also for the wider region. He affirmed Cyprus’s readiness to contribute in various ways, as it has in the past, given its proximity to Gaza.
President Christodoulides described the new Pact for the Mediterranean as a historic step forward, offering a chance to strengthen relations with the southern neighborhood through projects promoting connectivity, sustainability, and regional stability. He announced that the Cyprus EU Presidency will host a meeting of heads of states and government in Cyprus, as part of an informal European Council, on April 23 and 24. This event will gather EU member states, European Union Institutions, and regional leaders.
He also highlighted other priorities for the Cyprus Presidency, including migration, climate change, and natural disasters. He welcomed the announcement by the President of the Commission regarding the establishment of a European Regional Firefighting Hub in Cyprus, which will serve regional partners as an example of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.