The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, during the SEY discussion on the sanctions against Russia in the presence of the EU Special Envoy, David O’Sullivan, after noting that Cyprus fully supports his efforts, asserted that the circumvention of sanctions by third countries undermines the collective effort of the EU and its Member States.

At the same time, according to a relevant press release, Mr. Kombos made a special reference to Turkey, which, as he said, by avoiding aligning itself with the restrictive measures of the EU, seeks to take advantage of the situation, while he reiterated the solidarity and support of Cyprus to the government and people of Ukraine, stressing that the EU must continue, united, to provide all possible assistance to the country.

With reference to the Western Balkans, the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the importance the EU attaches to the region, pointing out that since the EU-Western Balkans Summit last December until now, important steps have been taken.

“We are looking forward to an inclusive process that will bring tangible results” underlined the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Kombos stressed that the Western Balkans are key to maintaining regional security and stability, and therefore, the EU must maintain its positive footprint in the region.

During the current affairs discussion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to EU-Central Asia relations, underlining that Cyprus supports enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region. At the same time, he pointed out, the EU – as it does with all its partners – expects countries in the region to act in full compliance with international law. In this context, the Minister requested the support of the EU regarding Turkey’s efforts to upgrade the pseudo-state within the Organization of Turkic States, but also in relation to the efforts made towards specific countries in the region for direct flights with the occupied . Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, referring to the latest developments in Tunisia, emphasized the importance of continuing the EU’s dialogue with the country in question to address major challenges, such as immigration.

On the sidelines of the Council’s work, Dr. Constantinos Kombos met with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijarto. As pointed out in the press release, bilateral issues were raised during the meeting as well as the efforts made by Turkey to upgrade the status of the pseudo-state within the Organization of Turkic States. The Hungarian Minister reiterated his country’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. Finally, Dr. Kombos made it clear that Hungary, as an EU member state, is expected to synchronize its statements and actions.