In a phone call held Friday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides briefed European Council President António Costa on recent Middle East developments and Cyprus’ diplomatic initiative ahead of next week’s crucial EU summit.
The leaders exchanged views on the agenda for the European Council meeting scheduled for October 23, with the conflict in Gaza and broader regional security expected to feature prominently.
According to a written statement by government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, President Christodoulides provided a detailed assessment of the latest developments in the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need to implement the ceasefire agreement on Gaza, aligning with the 20-point peace framework proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden.
The Cypriot leader also presented a complementary six-point proposal developed by the Republic of Cyprus, initially introduced at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit and recently submitted to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The initiative focuses on three core pillars: humanitarian support, security, and post-conflict reconstruction.
“The Cypriot initiative provides a structured framework to support key components of the U.S. plan,” Letymbiotis said. “It reflects Cyprus’ commitment to fostering a stable and secure Eastern Mediterranean.”
President Christodoulides expressed his intention to formally present the initiative to EU heads of state and government at the upcoming summit, urging a “robust and coordinated EU engagement” in the implementation of the Gaza agreement.
The Cypriot president also welcomed the first EU-Egypt summit to be held on the margins of the Council meeting, highlighting Egypt’s strategic importance as a cornerstone of regional stability.
“Strengthening cooperation with Egypt and other regional actors is essential to ensure peace and long-term security in the neighborhood,” he noted, underlining the importance of EU financial and diplomatic support to Cairo.
Christodoulides specifically called for the expedited release of a second EU financial assistance package to Egypt, describing it as “vital” for maintaining stability across the EU’s southern neighborhood.
Looking ahead, Cyprus is preparing to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time, starting January 1, 2026, as part of a trio with Poland and Denmark.