The security of the EU and that of the wider Middle East and Gulf region are interconnected, Cyprus' Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said during the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
On the Council’s agenda during the 21 April meeting were the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, current developments in the Middle East, as well as the situation in the South Caucasus and Sudan.
During the discussion on Ukraine, the Foreign Minister reiterated Cyprus' support for the country. He underlined that Cyprus EU Presidency has worked and continues to work toward the disbursement of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package, expressing hope for positive developments. Full support is also being provided to efforts related to the humanitarian situation, social cohesion, and Ukraine's resilience, he noted.
The Foreign Ministers also held an informal exchange of views with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam, during which the Kombos stressed that the EU must provide tangible support to the Lebanese authorities’ efforts to stabilise the country. Lebanon’s stability is important for regional stability, he emphasised.
The “27” also exchanged views on the situation in the wider Middle East, with emphasis on Iran and the impact of developments in the Strait of Hormuz. They also discussed Syria and developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In this context, Kombos referred to the need for closer and more active EU engagement in the region, stressing that the security of the EU and that of the broader Middle East and Gulf region are interconnected.
These issues are also expected to be discussed at the leaders’ level during the informal meeting of the European Council, which will take place this week in Nicosia, he noted.
Regarding the discussion on the South Caucasus, the Foreign Minister said that today’s exchange of views at the Foreign Affairs Council reflects the strategic importance of the region for the EU, always within the framework that defines the EU’s relations with third countries.
As for Sudan, the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire was emphasised, in order to pave the way for peace in the country.
On the sidelines of the Council meeting, Kombos also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Salam, during which they discussed issues of common interest, as well as practical ways to support the country’s authorities.
(Source: CNA)
