Bern: The migration situation in Switzerland and Cyprus, along with anticipated developments in the Middle East and challenges emerging from the implementation of the European Union (EU) Migration and Asylum Pact, were key topics of discussion for Nicholas A. Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, during his official visit to Switzerland.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides led a delegation from the Deputy Ministry during the visit, which took place between November 28 and 29, upon the invitation of Switzerland’s State Secretary for Migration, Christine Schraner Burgener. Delegations from both countries held productive meetings in Bern, reaffirming their commitment to continue and deepen bilateral cooperation on asylum and migration issues. Ioannides conveyed Cyprus’s gratitude for Switzerland’s unequivocal support in these areas.
Ioannides also met with Beat Jans, the Minister of Justice and Police, where they reviewed migration issues in Switzerland and Cyprus, as we
ll as the EU Migration and Asylum Pact’s challenges. The agenda included discussions on the Middle East’s anticipated developments.
In Geneva, Ioannides met with Amy E. Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They exchanged views on managing migration challenges and agreed on collaborative efforts. Pope expressed her intention to visit Cyprus in 2025 and showed readiness to update the Memorandum of Understanding between the IOM and Cyprus.
Additionally, Ioannides met with Pierre Krähenbhl, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Their discussions acknowledged Cyprus’s role as a regional security pillar and its humanitarian aid efforts. Krähenbhl praised the Cyprus Red Cross’s work and its cooperation with Cypriot authorities. Ioannides also toured the International Red Cross Museum and signed the guest book.
Finally, the visit included a meeting between Neofytos Papadopoulos, Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Immigration and
International Protection, and officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).