Brussels: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, reiterated on Monday Cyprus' unwavering support for Ukraine, as February 24 marks four years since the Russian invasion in the country. Cyprus, as a country that has experienced an invasion and continues to live under the occupation of part of its territory, stands firmly by Ukraine and in favor of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, he said, according to an official announcement.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos participated in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, which was held on Monday in Brussels. At the center of the discussions among the Ministers of the 27 were the continuing Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East.
As the European Union, over the past four years, a great deal has been done, and even more can be achieved, both in the context of negotiations and in terms of supporting the country, the Minister said. Referring to the 20th sanctions package currently under discussion, Kombos noted that it is an ambitious and strong package, and the Cypriot Presidency will continue its efforts to achieve an agreement.
With regard to the Middle East, the Ministers exchanged views with an emphasis on developments in Iran and Syria. On Iran, the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the need to continue diplomatic efforts, underlining the serious consequences for stability in the region in the event of military escalation. As regards Syria, Kombos stressed that the situation remains fluid. While noting that there must be full implementation of the ceasefire and of what has been agreed, he underlined the need for the EU to maintain its engagement in developments concerning the country.
In addition, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs attended a working lunch with the UN Special Coordinator for Gaza Strip, Nikolay Mladenov. In his intervention, Kombos stressed that Cyprus wishes to contribute to peace and stability in the region through concrete actions and implementable proposals, and always as part of the solution. Cyprus' support with regard to Gaza is in line with the long-standing principled position of the Republic of Cyprus in favor of a two-state solution, in accordance with United Nations resolutions, he said. In this context, making use of existing mechanisms and in cooperation with UN organizations, including United Nations Office for Project Services, Kombos reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to work towards the implementation of the 20-point plan for Gaza, on the basis of Resolution 2803 of the United Nations Security Council.
Prior to the start of the Council's proceedings, the Ministers exchanged views in the context of an informal working breakfast on hybrid threats, information manipulation, and interference from abroad (FIMI). On the margins of the Council, the Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence of Ireland, Helen McEntee.