Nicosia: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is set to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with heads of EU institutions, heads of state, or their representatives, and other foreign officials. These meetings are part of the working visits to Cyprus by high-level guests attending the Opening Ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Wednesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis released a written statement outlining the President's schedule. The statement highlights that President Christodoulides is expected to hold talks with the President of the European Council, Ant³nio Costa. These discussions will focus on coordinating work on the European priorities for the six-month presidency, emphasizing the role of the Presidency of the Council in maintaining the cohesion of the Union amidst international challenges and bolstering Europe's strategic autonomy, security, and resilience.
Additionally, President Christodoulides will have a bilateral meeting with Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This meeting arrives at a crucial time when European support for Ukraine is essential, with discussions likely to center on peace efforts, the preservation of international legality, and the protection of fundamental principles underpinning the European project. The Republic of Cyprus, with its direct experience of invasion and occupation, remains firmly committed to these principles.
In the same context, Letymbiotis noted that President Christodoulides will also meet with Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun. Their discussions will focus on ensuring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing regional developments, and enhancing cooperation channels between the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood. The President will also receive Egypt's Minister of Petroleum, who will be representing the Egyptian President at the ceremony.
Following the Opening Ceremony, President Christodoulides is scheduled to host an official dinner in honour of the heads of delegations. During this event, he will also engage in discussions with the President of Moldova, the President of Iraq, and other senior officials, the Government Spokesperson concluded.