President Nikos Christodoulides has revealed that Cyprus has submitted an unofficial working document outlining the Republic’s contribution to the implementation of former US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza.
Posting part of the document on platform X, the President shared Cyprus’s proposed initiatives in the areas of security, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance, following his participation in the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Labelled a 'Living Document – Non-Paper', the proposal outlines six specific operational pillars through which Cyprus could support the plan. These initiatives aim to enhance the security of all parties, including Israel, and promote the long-term sustainability of Gaza.
“As the closest EU member state to Gaza, and a strategic partner of the United States, Israel, and our Arab partners, Cyprus is ready to contribute with practical, workable measures in support of the peace plan’s humanitarian, security, and reconstruction goals,” the document states.
Christodoulides emphasised the importance of Cyprus' regional position and longstanding relationships with neighbouring states. He noted that the document has already been sent to the European Commission, EU member states, US officials, and other stakeholders.
Regional stability
Speaking to reporters before attending the annual Legal Service Academy conference, the President stressed that despite opposition from certain quarters, Cyprus had been formally invited to the summit by both the US and Egyptian Presidents.
“Just as we did in October 2023 with the ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian corridor initiative in Paris - despite initial scepticism on the home front, yesterday we presented a concrete, evolving plan based on Trump’s proposal,” said Christodoulides.
He explained that the six-point Cypriot proposal has already been discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other leaders during recent communications.
“This is a working plan, currently under development. The goal is to help implement the first stage of the Trump plan, so we can proceed to the second. Cyprus must do what it can, within its capabilities, to contribute to regional stability.”
Trump talks Cyprob, praises Erdogan
On the sidelines of the summit, President Christodoulides said he held a brief discussion with Donald Trump. While he did not disclose full details, he confirmed that the Cyprus problem was the focus of their conversation.
Trump's speech garnered numerours headlines, as he told Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni - the only female leader at the event - “In the United States, it would be the end of your political career. But I’ll take the risk. Do you mind if I say you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”
Similarly, he had a lot of praise for Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, whom he called a great friend and a "tough cookie".
"I don't know what it is, I like the tough people better than I like the soft easy ones...but this gentleman from a place called Turkey has one of the most powerful armies actually in the world. It's much more powerful than he even lets known.
"If you look at some of the recent conflicts, he was at the top of them and he was winning them and he did win them. And he doesn't want any credit, he doesn't want anything, he just wants to be left alone. He's a tough cookie but he's been my friend.
"Every time I've ever needed him, he's been there for me." Returning to Washington, Trump told reporters he believed Erdogan could have a "key role" in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump described Erdogan as "difficult" but a man "that never fails us."