Nicosia: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his expectation for tangible and substantial actions from the European Union regarding regional interests, rather than mere declarations. He addressed this during a lunch hosted by the Lebanese Ambassador, Claude el Hajal, in Nicosia, attended by Ambassadors from Arab nations.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President highlighted Cyprus’s priorities for its upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026. He emphasized the goal of strengthening ties between the EU, the Middle East, and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region. President Christodoulides also acknowledged the longstanding friendship with the Ambassadors from neighboring countries, a relationship cultivated during his previous roles as Government Spokesperson and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador el Hajal expressed gratitude towards President Christodoulides and Cyprus for their unwavering support to Lebanon during challenging times. She voiced her hope for the lunch event, involving Ambassadors from Arab countries, to become a regular occurrence, and presented commemorative gifts to the President on behalf of all the participating Ambassadors.