Cypriot President says Nicosia aims to enhance awareness in Brussels about significance of Middle East

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that one of the top priorities of Cyprus' EU Presidency is to enhance awareness in Brussels about the significance of the region and the challenges it faces.

Christodoulides made these remarks during a dinner on Sunday, hosted by Egypt's Ambassador to Nicosia, Mohamed Zaazou, who emphasized the strong regional cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt, noting that both countries share a common vision for prosperity, peace, and stability in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Welcoming Cypriot President, Egyptian Ambassador noted that his presence not only reflects the strong bilateral relations between Cyprus and Egypt but also underscores the close cooperation and friendship Cyprus enjoys with the Arab world in general.

He noted that Cyprus and Egypt are connected through culture and history, with excellent bilateral relations that continue to progress in various fields, particularly under the leadership of President Christodoulides and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Ambassador Zaazou expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides and the Cypriot government for their support within the EU on matters of great significance to Egypt. He reiterated that Cyprus and Egypt share a robust regional partnership, a common vision for prosperity, and a commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Cyprus in seeking a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue—one that ensures the island’s reunification as a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, international personality, and citizenship, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Replying, Christodoulides expressed deep and sincere feelings of solidarity with Arab nations, emphasising that Cyprus is part of the same region, facing common challenges but also sharing opportunities. He said that working together is the key to addressing these challenges and seizing available opportunities.

The Cypriot President also referred to Cyprus' upcoming assumption of the EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026, reaffirming that one of its highest priorities will be to increase awareness in Brussels about the importance of the region and the challenges it encounters.

As part of this effort, he announced plans to host a summit in Cyprus, bringing together EU leaders and regional heads of state to foster greater understanding of the region’s significance and strengthen the EU’s engagement with it. He stressed that the challenges facing the region also impact the EU and that the only way forward is through collective action and cooperation.

He further said Egypt should consider Cyprus its ambassador within the EU, while at the same time, Cyprus serves as the EU’s ambassador to the region. He noted that through joint efforts, both countries and their people will benefit.

The Republic of Cyprus will assume for a second time the Presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1st, 2026, for a period of six months, as part of a Trio Presidency along with Poland and Denmark.