Bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and France, developments in the region and the Cyprus problem are some of the issues that will be discussed during a meeting on Thursday, 31 July between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, and his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, in Nicosia.
Earlier in the morning, Barrot will be received by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.
The meeting takes place within the framework of the strategic cooperation and the shaping of the strategic partnership between the Republic of Cyprus and the French Republic, a Foreign Affairs Ministry press release said here on Wednesday.
The two Ministers will have a private meeting, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, it said.
“During the talks, issues related to bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and France will be examined, including in the areas of defence and security, energy, education and culture,” the Foreign Ministry added.
“Particular emphasis will be placed on the priorities of the Republic of Cyprus in view of the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), as well as on the importance of close cooperation with France at the European level,” it noted.
The two Ministers will also exchange views on developments in the region and the Cyprus issue, the press release said, while noting that, after the meeting, Kombos and Barrot will make statements to the media.
It is noted that, prior to the meeting of the two Ministers, the French Foreign Minister will address the annual meeting of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Cyprus.
“Cooperation between Cyprus and France is being strengthened both within the EU and internationally, including the International Organization of Francophonie, of which Cyprus has been a full member since October 2024,” the press release concluded.
In the afternoon, Barrot will visit the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Larnaca, accompanied by Kombos.
(Source: CNA)