Budapest: President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has called for substantial investment in long-term and sustainable solutions to address the ongoing immigration crisis. Speaking at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, the President emphasized the significant immigration burden faced by Cyprus, where asylum seekers now comprise 6% of the population, straining the country’s capacity to accommodate additional immigrants.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’s proposal, which is supported by other nations, to collaborate with international organizations operating in Syria, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This collaboration aims to establish conditions for the safe and dignified repatriation of Syrians who have left Lebanon and other war-affected regions in the Middle East.
Furthermore, the President advocated for substantial support of countries in the region through officially established actions and compreh
ensive agreements, citing existing EU agreements with Egypt and Lebanon as examples. He also underscored the Republic of Cyprus’s commitment to combating illegal trafficking, exploitation, and instrumentalization of individuals. These efforts, he stated, should be conducted within the framework of European and International Law, with a steadfast commitment to respecting human rights.