Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the role of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) in strengthening the EU’s energy security and security of supply during the 13th MED9 Summit in Split, Croatia, while also addressing connectivity, the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), climate change and developments in the Middle East.
According to a written statement by Director of the President’s Press Office Victor Papadopoulos, President Christodoulides referred during the Summit to issues concerning stability, security, connectivity and energy security in the Mediterranean and Europe.
In view of the upcoming European Council, the President raised the issue of Europe’s energy security and Cyprus’ contribution to this effort, as well as the importance of connectivity for Cyprus, as the EU’s southeasternmost member state.
He also referred to the new Multiannual Financial Framework, stressing that Mediterranean EU member states should work to strengthen the Mediterranean dimension of European policies.
President Christodoulides said the new MFF should provide adequate funding for areas including migration, cohesion policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, connectivity and infrastructure.
Referring to the Great Sea Interconnector, he stressed its major importance and the strong European interest in the project, noting the benefits it could bring to the EU’s energy security and security of supply. He also underlined the project’s significance in the context of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The President also referred to the importance of good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, highlighting Cyprus’ initiatives aimed at promoting stability and peace in the wider region.
In this context, he referred to the establishment in Cyprus of the regional aerial firefighting centre, CRAFS, with the support of the European Commission.
During a thematic discussion on a ‘Sustainable Mediterranean’, President Christodoulides presented Cyprus’ regional initiative on climate change, the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative (EMME-CCI), as well as CRAFS as a concrete example of regional cooperation.
He noted that Cyprus’ national approach places particular emphasis on developing synergies and cooperation with countries in the region in addressing climate and environmental challenges.
During a working lunch with Jordan’s Crown Prince, discussions focused on developments in the Middle East. President Christodoulides stressed the need to support Jordan and Egypt, describing both countries as crucial to regional stability.
He also underlined the need for the EU to take action to prevent a security vacuum in Lebanon.
The President further referred to Cyprus’ humanitarian role in the region, including through the Amalthea maritime corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid and operations to evacuate civilians from conflict zones.
On the sidelines of the Summit, President Christodoulides held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
According to the statement, the two discussed developments in the Cyprus problem, as well as the remaining steps towards Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen Area.