The Cyprus issue and the need to further enhance cooperation between the European Union and NATO were the focus of a meeting between President, Nikos Christodoulides, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, held on Wednesday evening in Copenhagen.
According to a written statement on Thursday by the Director of the President’s Press Office, Victoras Papadopoulos, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the dinner hosted by the Danish Royal Couple in honour of the heads of state and government attending the European Political Community Summit, and in view of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
As Papadopoulos said, President Christodoulides briefed Rutte on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue, making reference to EU-Turkey relations, noting that progress in these relations requires positive developments toward a resolution of the Cyprus problem, based on the United Nations resolutions and the principles and values of the European Union.
In this context, Papadopoulos added, the President referred to the recent appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, highlighting that this can serve as an important tool in efforts toward a solution.
In his written statement, Papadopoulos also noted that during the meeting, President Christodoulides stressed that Defence and Security will be among the top priorities of the upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency, which begins on January 1, 2026, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy.
Regarding EU-NATO relations and their cooperation under the Readiness 2030 initiative, President Christodoulides underlined that such collaboration must be inclusive and ensure equal treatment of all EU member states.
Papadopoulos said that the meeting included discussion of recent provocations by Russia against EU member states that are also NATO members. On the issue of Ukraine, the President underlined that Ukraine must be included in any initiative or peace plan. He also affirmed that support for Ukraine will remain a priority during the Cypriot EU Presidency.
In conclusion, Papadopoulos noted that with respect to the participation of third countries in the SAFE Regulation, President Christodoulides stressed that respect for international law, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of states is a non-negotiable prerequisite, in line with the provisions of the Regulation.
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.