Implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean is at the core of Cyprus EU Presidency priorities, President Nikos Christodoulides said Monday, at the joint Press Conference following the MED9 Summit, in Slovenia.
The President noted that as the member state of the Union at the southeastern frontier, Cyprus is preparing to take the responsibility of the EU Presidency in just 71 days with full awareness of the challenges ahead and with a clear commitment to advance unity, reinforce our collective resilience, and elevate Mediterranean’s voice in the European debate.
“It is undeniable that the security and prosperity of the Mediterranean is directly linked to that of the European Union. An example of this is the situation in the Middle East, which is of course part of the Mediterranean and which directly affects developments in Europe in terms of security, in terms migration, energy prices, and so on”, he said.
Cyprus President referred to the meeting on Gaza taking place recently in Egypt, noting that we really hope, without underestimating the challenges ahead of us, “that it will lead to a new era of stability and prosperity, not only for Palestinians and Israelis, but also for the wider region”.
President Christodoulides said that Cyprus as the member state of the European Union, closest to Gaza, stands ready, as we did in the past, to contribute in a number of ways, which he presented to his colleagues earlier during the Summit.
Referring to the new Pact for the Mediterranean he described it as a historic, positive step forward and a chance to reinvigorate our relations with the southern neighborhood with tangible projects that promote connectivity, sustainability and regional stability.
He said that Cyprus EU Presidency will host a meeting of heads of states and government in Cyprus, in the framework of an informal European Council, on 23 and 24 April, bringing together the EU member states, European Union Institutions and the leaders of the countries of our region.
He referred to other issues of priorities for Cyprus Presidency such as migration, climate change and natural disasters and welcomed once again the announcement of the President of the Commission for the establishment of a European Regional Firefighting Hub, based in Cyprus, to also serve regional partners, as a concrete example of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.