MED9 delegations tour facilities and infrastructure in Cyprus

The MED9 summit is continuing with Agriculture Ministers from nine Mediterranean EU member states in Cyprus to focus on the critical issue of drought and its impact on the agricultural sector.

The summit, which is taking place in Ayia Napa, began on 1 September and is concluding on 2 September with the release of a joint statement, which will be presented to the upcoming EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

According to the Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, the summit's goal is to enhance collaboration to build a sustainable agricultural sector resilient to extreme weather conditions and the increasing droughts driven by climate change. A central theme will be the integrated and sustainable management of water resources across the Mediterranean.

Hosted by the Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment in the Famagusta district, this summit marks the inaugural working coordination meeting of Agriculture Ministers from Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Malta, Portugal, and Slovenia. Cyprus currently holds the rotating presidency of the informal MED9 cooperation for 2024.

The main session, titled "The Threat of Drought in the Primary Production Sector of Mediterranean Member States," is scheduled for the morning of 3 September. Discussions will be led by Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, with participation from EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski.

After the summit, the ministers will issue a joint statement, followed by a press conference at 12:30 p.m. local time on the same day.

On 2 September, delegations will tour hydroponic farming facilities and state water management infrastructures. Additionally, a bilateral meeting between Minister Panayiotou and Commissioner Wojciechowski is planned, along with a meeting with representatives of agricultural organizations.

The visit will also feature the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministers of Malta, Greece, and Cyprus.

(Source: CNA)