Athens: The EU must take initiatives at all levels in order for de-escalation and diplomacy to prevail, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday, referring to developments in the Middle East. The President was addressing via an internet link a conference co-organised in Athens by the Financial Times and Kathimerini newspaper entitled “Financial Times and Kathimerini Energy Transition Summit”.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized that if the EU wants to have a geopolitical role in developments in a way that contributes to the creation of conditions of regional stability, it must take the initiative. He underscored that Cyprus has requested prompt action and, in addition to supporting the Joint Statement, the Foreign Minister had asked the EU representative to convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council, which was immediately accepted.
“Coordination at EU level is necessary in order to take collective action,” President Christodoulides noted. “Taking those measures that can lead to de-escalation and the prevalence of diplomacy as the only means of resolving the dispute is exactly what is needed at the moment,” he stressed, adding that Cyprus always seeks to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
The President pointed out the critical nature of the situation and reiterated Cyprus’s call for regional de-escalation. He mentioned the activation of the Special National Plan ‘Estia’ for the safe evacuation of third country nationals, noting requests from two EU member states to facilitate the evacuation of their citizens.
“The current situation benefits no one,” President Christodoulides remarked, reflecting on conversations with regional leaders who expressed concern over the crisis’s outcome and economic impacts like oil prices and tourism. He affirmed Cyprus’s commitment to de-escalation efforts in collaboration with regional countries, emphasizing Cyprus’s role in promoting initiatives for stability through preventive diplomacy.
Regarding energy sector developments, the President highlighted the involvement of companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total, and Eni within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. He emphasized Cyprus’s role as a stability pillar in the Eastern Mediterranean, promoting regional cooperation with countries like Greece, Israel, Egypt, and others.
He described Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean as emerging hubs for energy and infrastructure connectivity, potentially offering alternative energy routes for Europe.
Furthermore, President Christodoulides called the two-day visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus historic, noting expanded cooperation in economy and technology. He also mentioned Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, with a priority to strengthen EU ties with the Middle East.