Limassol: The informal gathering of European Union Foreign Ministers, known as the Gymnich meeting, has commenced its deliberations in Limassol. This high-level meeting is co-chaired by Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting has extended invitations to India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Their participation is deemed crucial given the current developments in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's regional influence, and India's involvement in maritime security, trade, and supply chains, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
On the eve of the meeting, Kombos hosted a dinner for the attending Foreign Ministers, which was marked by the presence of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The informal Gymnich meeting, taking place at the Port of Limassol, is set to focus on regional and international issues, including discussions with the distinguished guests from India and Saudi Arabia. The agenda will also cover the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russian aggression.
Strategic initiatives concerning security and defence are slated for discussion, along with preparations for the new European Security Strategy. The Gymnich meeting is known for its informal setting, allowing EU Foreign Ministers to engage in open dialogue on pressing foreign policy, security, and geopolitical matters. Unlike formal EU meetings, Gymnich is designed to foster frank and strategic discussions without the constraints of adopting formal decisions or Council conclusions.