The conclusion of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union, priorities on the European agenda, preparations for Greece's Presidency in 2027 and the Cyprus issue were the focus of talks in Nicosia between Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Greece's new Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Tasos Chatzivasileiou.
Welcoming Chatzivasileiou to the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, Raouna congratulated him on assuming his new role and thanked Greece for its support throughout Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU.
'Tangible impact'
She said the Cypriot Presidency had "left a tangible mark across all policy areas", in line with its central message of promoting a European Union that is more strategically autonomous while remaining open to the world.
Raouna also noted that, following the completion of Cyprus' Presidency, a new trio presidency cycle had begun, with Greece set to assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027. She said Cyprus would provide every possible support to the Greek side during its preparations, just as Greece had done during Cyprus' term.
She added that the two sides would also discuss issues high on the European agenda, both in light of the Presidency that has just concluded and within the framework of the ongoing coordination and dialogue between Cyprus and Greece.
Ukraine, Russia and article 42.7
For his part, Chatzivasileiou conveyed the congratulations of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, describing Cyprus' Presidency as "highly successful". He said it had been carefully planned and organised under the guidance of President Nikos Christodoulides.
He said Greece viewed the Cypriot Presidency as above all resilient, noting that despite developments in the region and the outbreak of a new armed conflict in Europe's neighbourhood, it had remained focused on its priorities and successfully completed its work.
He also described the Presidency as effective, highlighting the large number of trilogue negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament, as well as the significant volume of legislative and policy files concluded during the six-month term.
Chatzivasileiou further said the Presidency had delivered substantive progress on key European issues, including financial support for Ukraine, a new package of sanctions against Russia, discussions on the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework and the launch of discussions on Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, which concerns mutual defence assistance.
Referring to relations between Athens and Nicosia, he expressed confidence that the close cooperation between the two countries would continue in the run-up to Greece's Presidency, adding that they would maintain close coordination on all major European dossiers.
Cyprus issue remains a priority
Chatzivasileiou also reiterated that the Cyprus issue remains a top priority of Greek foreign policy, stressing the need to continue efforts to resume UN-led negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General.
He said the objective remained "ending Turkey's illegal occupation and achieving a just settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation", adding that, for Greece, "any discussion of a two-state solution is unacceptable".
He concluded by reaffirming Greece's continued support for the Republic of Cyprus.
