Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed developments in the Middle East, European competitiveness, immigration, regional issues, and the Cyprus problem during joint statements with the leaders of the MED9 at the Summit in Paphos.
Key focus areas of the 11th MED9 Summit: Cyprus, Regional Stability, and International Relations
The Euro-Mediterranean Summit took place amid concerns over the latest developments in the Middle East and the risk of further escalation in the region following Iran’s attacks on Israel.
Additionally in attendance, alongside host Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, French President Emmanuel Macron, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela, and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also present as was King Abdullah of Jordan, given that EU-Jordan relations were also on the agenda.
The declaration of the 11th MED9 Summit in Paphos focused on the Cyprus issue. There was also talk on the situation in the Mediterranean and developments in the Middle East. Lastly, a discussion on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine took place.
The text of the declaration emphasized the importance of respecting international law and promoting good neighborly relations. It highlighted the situation in the Middle East and the immigration issue.
A message to Turkey addressed Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, stating that avoiding unilateral actions, including those that violate the military status quo along the ceasefire lines or buffer zone, is essential. This approach is crucial for creating a favorable environment for the resumption of negotiations.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states must be preserved and their sovereign rights fully respected. The declaration notes that de-escalation of tensions, respect for international law, and the promotion of favorable neighborly relations are crucial for regional stability and cooperation, including in the energy sector.
Urgent calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid amid escalating crises in the Middle East and Ukraine
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the declaration calls for an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line, which covers the Lebanese-Israeli border, and calls for provision of humanitarian aid to Lebanon.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, a conference on the recovery of Ukraine will be hosted in Italy in 2025. There will be continued efforts to support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the country. This will be based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Efforts in this direction, including the third Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit held in Croatia on October 9th, are welcomed.
Furthermore, Greek PM Mitsotakis emphasized the need for strategic EU cooperation with Jordan, a country that requires more European support.
Concerning the Middle East, he noted that the crisis is unfortunately escalating, putting additional strain on the people of Lebanon. He appealed for a cease-fire in both Lebanon and Gaza, where the humanitarian disaster has reached nightmarish proportions.
“Greece has condemned Iran’s attacks against Israel from the very beginning. They contribute to the dangerous escalation of tension and increase the risks to regional stability. However, we also call for restraint to ensure that southern Lebanon does not turn into a new Gaza. That would result in a significant new humanitarian tragedy that the wider region cannot bear,” he said.
Regarding immigration
Before the commencement of the MED9 Summit in Paphos, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
President von der Leyen thanked Cyprus for its operational readiness in assisting in potential operations to evacuate civilians from Lebanon. She thanked Cyprus for its “successful work” in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza over the past months.
The European Commission President noted that Brussels will continue to build strategic relations with third countries, with the Mediterranean as the main axis. Additionally, she emphasized that the EU will support Cyprus in addressing the effects of climate change and the migration issue.
Ursula von der Leyen is in Cyprus for her participation in the 11th Summit of the Mediterranean (MED9), hosted in Paphos. She stated that the discussions will help prepare for two upcoming meetings: the European Council and the first EU-GCC Summit.
“It is important that the unique experiences and perspectives of the Mediterranean member states are reflected in these meetings,” she added.
