We all agree that the Cyprus issue is a European problem, said the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulidis at the press conference after the work of the Summit of the Nine Mediterranean Member States of the European Union (MED9), in Paphos. The President, flanked by all the leaders of the countries of the MED9 group, said they also discussed developments in the region, saying that our common goal remains to end any hostilities and create conditions for restarting the political process in relation to the Middle East.

Cypriot

Stating that this year marks the tragic 50th anniversary of the invasion and continued occupation of European territory by Turkey in Cyprus, he said that “I wish to express my thanks to my colleagues, for the adoption of specific language in the Declaration that exactly reflects this reality”.

The wording also, he added, reflects the position of the international community on the need to reunify the Republic of Cyprus, through a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, based on the specific framework, but also the principles and values ​​of the EU”.

“We all agree that the Cyprus issue is a European problem and we emphasize that Turkey’s practical contribution to the resumption and successful conclusion of the negotiations is a key component for the promotion of Euro-Turkish relations, as is also reflected in the conclusions of the European Council last April” stressed the President .

Middle East

Noting that what happens in the Mediterranean region directly and decisively affects the entire European Union, he said that in this context, the reconstitution of the portfolio for the Mediterranean in the new College of the European Commission by the President of the Commission as well as the announcement of a new Pact for the Mediterranean create a new dynamic and underline the strategic importance of our region for the EU, in the context of relations with our Southern Neighborhood partners.

He welcomed as particularly important the presence of the King of Jordan at the Summit, saying that it is important because the European Union must play a decisive role in the extremely important region of the Middle East, with which it is adjacent.

Jordan, the President said, is a pillar of stability and security in the region and plays a key role in developments and efforts to promote peace.

Therefore, the perspective of the King of Jordan, as the leader of a very important country in the region, was particularly valuable and helpful, the President said.

In the Declaration adopted, he said, it is noted that the situation in the Middle East causes intense concern, as does the spread of the crisis in Lebanon.

“Our common goal and pursuit remains the termination of any hostilities and the creation of conditions for restarting the political process in relation to the Middle East, for a solution based on the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, as the only way to achieve a sustainable and lasting peace in the region” emphasized the President.

We support, he said, the efforts made by the United States and France, together with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to achieve a ceasefire, and we consider it necessary to fully and immediately implement Security Council resolution 2735. At the same time, an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, the release of all hostages and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian aid are crucial, he said.

At the same time, he said that we also consider it imperative to ensure the sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon and we are ready to support both the Palestinian Authority and Lebanon, at the level of institutions and people. In this context, he added, they also discussed with the King and the other leaders, specific ways in which humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.

In addition to the Middle East, he said that today’s Synod was occupied by a number of other important issues reflected in the adopted declaration. “Not only do our views converge on most issues, but I am pleased to say that they align in a creative and effective way on the direction we as an EU should take.”

Immigrant

In relation to Migration, he said that the issue will be on the agenda of the October European Council again, saying that it is also directly connected to the situation in the Middle East. “This is a European challenge that requires a common European response. We consider the effective implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration imperative, while at the same time emphasis must also be placed on the external dimension, in order to address the generative causes of irregular migration, through strategic cooperation with the countries of transit and origin of migrants” emphasized the President of Cyprus. In this context, he said, they discussed the issue of Syria, which, always in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and all international partners, we want to create those conditions that will allow the return of Syrians to their country.

Ukraine

In relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “the consequences of which we are strongly experiencing in Europe”, the President said that our positions are identical and based on International Law. “We reaffirm our unwavering support for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as our commitment to provide multidimensional support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. We stand against any violation of International Law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” he noted.

Competitiveness

One of the issues discussed by President Christodoulidis, and which will occupy the European Council both in October and November in Budapest, is the competitiveness of Europe. “It is our common belief that the competitiveness of the European Union must be substantially strengthened. We welcome the importance given to the issue and have decided to promote actions to substantially strengthen European competitiveness, in areas such as the European defense industry – which will also strengthen the strategic autonomy of the Union – the green and digital transition, the reduction of the administrative burden, the deepening of the single market’ he continued.

Climate change

Referring to climate change, he said that it is an equally important issue, which also particularly affects the Mediterranean countries. “The Mediterranean region is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, including natural disasters, extreme weather events, desertification,” he stressed. To meet these challenges, the President said, there must be enhanced regional cooperation between us and the countries of the Southern Neighborhood, as well as strengthening of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the relevant Crisis Response Funds.