The leaders of the nine Mediterranean states who took parth today in the MED9 Summit in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with the participation, in part of the Summit, of King Abdullah II of Jordan, welcomed the role of the Republic of Cyprus in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as its efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the agreed framework.
According to a written statement by the Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, Viktoras Papadopoulos, in the Joint Declaration issued after the Summit, the leaders of the nine states that make up MED9 reiterate their commitment to a “comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the United Nations, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and on the basis of the principles and values of the EU and European law,” while also expressing “appreciation for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, which have led to the continuation of dialogue between all parties and should pave the way for the formal resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework.”
The leaders also welcome “the appointment by the European Commission of Johannes Hahn as Special Envoy for Cyprus, as well as the joint letter from the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, reiterating the EU’s position and readiness to actively support the UN-led process.
As stated in the Joint Declaration, “we emphasize that Turkey’s tangible contribution to the swift resumption and successful conduct of negotiations remains of utmost importance and a key component in advancing Euro-Turkish relations, in line with the European Council Conclusions of April 2024,” while the leaders express their conviction that “avoiding unilateral actions – including those in Varosia and along the ceasefire line – is essential for creating the right climate for the resumption of talks.”
Referring to the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus, the MED9 leaders welcome “Cyprus’ intention to place particular emphasis on the Mediterranean region, including the implementation of the Mediterranean Pact, as well as on strengthening relations with countries in the region.”
Finally, as noted in the Joint Declaration, the nine leaders noted that it is in the “strategic interests of the EU to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and to develop cooperation and a mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, on the basis of existing conditions”.
“Issues must be resolved by peaceful means and with full respect for international law, including the Convention on the Law of the Sea. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU Member States must be respected and their sovereign rights fully respected,” it is stressed.
It is also noted that the next MED9 Summit will take place in 2026 in Croatia.
Furthermore, according to Papadopoulos, the Joint Declaration of the MED9 leaders and King Abdullah II of Jordan, issued after the conclusion of the second part of the Summit, on the situation in the Middle East, highlights, inter alia, the leaders’ recognition of the humanitarian role played by Jordan in the region, while the leaders welcome the US President’s plan for peace in Gaza.
It is further noted that the MED9 countries reiterate that all humanitarian aid corridors, including “Amalthea,” are valuable in addressing the enormous humanitarian needs of the civilian population in Gaza.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.