Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides affirmed on Friday that the EU summit focuses heavily on engagement with the broader Middle East, noting the necessity of strategically enhancing co-operation with regional countries.
Christodoulides stated upon arrival at the European Council summit in the Cypriot capital that working closely with reliable regional partners is essential to achieving lasting de-escalation, as reported by the Cypriot newspaper Cyprus Mail.
Citing the participation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and other regional leaders, Christodoulides said recent discussions highlighted the need for deeper strategic co-operation with the region.
Christodoulides added that concrete progress is impossible without direct involvement from key regional actors.
He suggested establishing new agreements and diplomatic outreach, proposing a comprehensive strategic agreement with Lebanon similar to those with Egypt and Jordan while calling for increased co-operation with Syria.
Christodoulides announced plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia next week to brief leaders on the summit outcomes.
He emphasised strengthening EU strategic autonomy through energy, defense, and regional partnerships during the Nicosia summit.
He stated that talks focus on reinforcing the EU’s independent global standing.
The agenda includes signing the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap to boost economic performance through specific targets and timelines.
