Nicosia: Current developments in the Middle East, climate change, and potential avenues for further collaboration between the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Union were central topics during a meeting held on Thursday between President Nikos Christodoulides and Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Ambassador Nasser Kamel, at the Presidential Palace.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ambassador Kamel emphasized that Cyprus is a key player in addressing regional challenges, acting as a bridge between the northern and southern parts of the Mediterranean. He praised Cyprus for its proactive role in building connections between the European Union and its southern neighbors.
Ambassador Kamel stated, “I discussed with him all the challenges we are facing in the region. Starting from a global challenge as climate change, the environment, but also economic development. Of course, our discussion took us to some of the pressing issues in terms of the geopolitical landscape in the region.
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When asked about the developments in the Middle East, Ambassador Kamel expressed optimism, hoping that recent tensions would de-escalate in the coming weeks and months. He highlighted the situation in Gaza and expressed a desire for a meaningful peace process based on a two-state solution. Kamel also commented on the ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope that it would hold, and shared his concerns about the ongoing developments in Syria.
Following the meeting, Victoras Papadopoulos, Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, described the discussions as very productive. He noted that the meeting included exchanges on Middle Eastern developments and explored ways the Union for the Mediterranean could enhance cooperation with Brussels.