Nicosia: Cyprus embarks on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union determined 'to act as a bridge between member states, between institutions, between ambition and delivery, and between Europe and its wider region,' Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Cyprus' EU Presidency in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister expressed that Cyprus assumes the EU Presidency 'with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility,' emphasizing that while Cyprus is a small island, it carries a big European soul. She highlighted that Europe currently stands at a pivotal moment requiring 'unity, resilience, boldness and confidence in our shared future.'
Referring to Cyprus's geostrategic position, Raouna mentioned that the island, located at the crossroads of three continents, has historically served as a meeting point of peoples, cultures, and ideas. Today, it acts as a bridge between Europe and the wider region of the Middle East and Gulf, as well as 'the EU's beacon in the Eastern Mediterranean.' This longstanding role, she noted, influences the Cyprus Presidency, which is founded on dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and building bridges.
Raouna also pointed out that the decision to open the Presidency through culture was intentional, noting that 'culture is our common language,' which connects nations, unites citizens, and strengthens Europe's shared home.
Welcoming guests to Nicosia, described as 'Europe's last divided capital' and the Union's 'southeastern-most frontier,' Raouna remarked that 'tonight, the heart of our European Union beats louder in Cyprus.'