The role of the European Union in the Cyprus problem, as well as Cyprus’ role in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region, were among the topics discussed during the meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on Wednesday afternoon.
This marks the Commissioner’s first visit to Cyprus, as Kallas herself noted. Also present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, and Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
Welcoming Kallas to the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides underlined, among other points, that any progress in Turkey’s EU accession process must be assessed in relation to the country’s Cyprus-related obligations as a candidate for membership. He also highlighted the importance of Cyprus’s close relations with neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.
For her part, Kallas said that the purpose of her first visit to Cyprus was to discuss the priorities of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, as well as the goals to be achieved during that period. The Cyprus problem and regional security matters were also high on the agenda of her contacts, she added.
Kallas also referred to the developments in the Middle East, stressing that President Christodoulides’ insight into issues concerning countries in the region including Lebanon and Syria is particularly valuable. She noted that these discussions are taking place ahead of the upcoming Coordination Council meeting in Lebanon, scheduled for December.
CNA