Wicklow: The European Union needs to be more active and more present in the Middle East, Cyprus' Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said Wednesday upon his arrival at the informal Foreign Affairs Council held in Wicklow, Ireland.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos emphasized the importance of strategic discussions amidst ongoing global crises, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. He highlighted the significance of the Gymnich meetings, known for fostering honest and open dialogue. Kombos mentioned that EU Foreign Ministers would be joined by six non-EU counterparts with close ties to the EU, focusing on continued support for Ukraine, particularly ahead of the high-level week in New York.
Kombos discussed the need to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the EU's External Service, especially within a multilateral framework. He pointed out that while the EU is a major contributor to global development and humanitarian aid, this has not translated into proportional political influence. He stressed the importance of addressing this imbalance.
Regarding the Middle East, Kombos described the region as being in a constant state of tension between war and peace, with ongoing conflicts involving countries such as Iran and regions like Hormuz and Gaza. He called for a more active EU role in the area, expressing eagerness for the upcoming deliberations at the meeting.
