The Cyprus problem is a European one and Turkey’s efforts surrounding negotiations are key for the promotion of EU-Turkey relations, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday at a press conference after the 11st summit of nine Mediterranean EU member states (MED9), that took place in Paphos.
Christodoulides, flanked by all the leaders of the countries of the MED9 group, said they also discussed developments in the region, saying that the common goal remains to end hostilities and create conditions for restarting the political process in relation to the Middle East.
He said that this year marks the tragic 50th anniversary of the invasion and continued occupation of European territory by Turkey in Cyprus. Christodoulides thanked the other leaders for adopting specific language in the joint Declaration they issued that reflects this reality.
The wording also reflects the position of the international community on the need to reunify the Republic of Cyprus, through a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the specific framework, and the EU principles and values, he specified.
“We all agree that the Cyprus issue is a European problem and we underline that Turkey’s practical contribution to the resumption and successful conclusion of negotiations is a key component for the promotion of EU-Turkish relations, as outlined in the conclusions of the European Council last April.”
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 after many decades in the new College of the European Commission by its President and 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, which it is adjacent to and is directly affected by.
Jordan, is a pillar of stability and security in the region and plays a key role in developments and efforts for peace to prevail, he added.
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 tensions in the Middle East, as well as the spread of the crisis in Lebanon are of great concern.
“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” he underlined.
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 stressed.
President Christodoulides noted that we also consider it as 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 of Jordan and the other leaders, specific ways in which humanitarian aid can reach Gaza.
Moreover, he referred to Cyprus’ humanitarian initiative, saying that ” the Cyprus “Amalthea” maritime corridor, which we implemented with the active support of our partners and also of the President of the European Commission, remains a reliable option, reinforcing also the other routes, land primarily, but also air”.
In addition, he talked about Cyprus’ assistance in evacuating EU and third-country nationals from the region, saying that Cyprus will continue to do so, proving in practice its role as a pillar of stability in the region.
Besides the Middle East problem, he said, the meeting debated a number of other important issues.
“Not only do our views converge on most issues, but I am glad to say they align in a creative and effective way as regards the direction that we as an EU should take.”
Regarding the issue of immigration, the President said that it will be on the agenda of the October European Council again, saying that it is also directly linked 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 as imperative” he said, noting that 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.
In this context, he said, they discussed Syria at the meeting and how -in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and all international partners – we can create those conditions which will allow the return of Syrians to their country.
In relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “the consequences of which Europe is strongly experiencing” 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,” he noted.
One of the issues discussed at the Summit and which will be on the agenda of 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 and more” Christodoulides said.
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.
In order to address 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.
