The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, expressed his satisfaction with the results of the informal European Council that took place in Cyprus, as well as his pride in its successful organisation, noting that the organisation enhanced the country’s international footprint.
In statements on Saturday afternoon, on the sidelines of the Christodoula March in Nicosia, the President thanked those who contributed to the success of the summit and those who worked to ensure this successful Council, the Secretariat of the Presidency of the Council, the Deputy Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the aspect of the discussion on the Middle East.
The President of the Republic noted that, despite the informal character of the summit, crucial issues were discussed which are linked to the objective of the Cypriot presidency for a strategically autonomous European Union. As he stated, “as a rule, these informal councils do not take decisions simply because they are informal. It is important that we discussed three issues which also relate to the objective of the Cypriot presidency, which is a strategically autonomous EU,” referring to defence and security, and in particular to Article 42.7, to energy with immediate and long‑term measures towards the energy union, as well as to the single market and competitiveness.
He described the summit as “an informal council with a strong imprint on the future of the EU, on the objectives of the EU.”
Our international role
Referring to contacts with countries in the region, the President noted that the discussions were particularly interesting, pointing out that Cyprus received positive comments for the organisation. As he said, “I have proudly received several congratulations from my counterparts in the European Council, and not only.”
He further stressed that the outcome of the summit strengthens the country’s international role, stating that “this is something which at the end of the day – and this is the message I want to send to everyone – also strengthens our country’s footprint, strengthens the international standing of the Republic of Cyprus, we prove in practice that the Republic of Cyprus is part of the solutions in relation to the challenges we are called upon to face.”
In concluding, he expressed his pride in the country and those who contributed to the success of the organisation, stating that “I am truly proud of our country, I am proud of those who – without them we would not have succeeded – contributed to this successful organisation both in terms of organisational matters and in terms of substance.”
Asked to comment on a statement by the President of France regarding Article 42.7, the President of the Republic said that “these are not words and we saw in Cyprus that they are not words, since without having activated the specific article we had an immediate response from five EU member states,” adding that this experience constitutes a basis for further planning in the event of activation of the clause.