Cyprus now leads the European Union for six months. This time is important. Cyprus will help the EU and the Middle East work together more. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus is in a good place. It knows both regions well. This will help build better friendships.
Leaders from the EU came to a start party. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, was there. Antonio Costa, the European Council President, also came. Ministers from the Middle East also came. This showed they all want to be friends. President Christodoulides said it was a good sign.
Cyprus wants to make plans happen. Its place between Europe and the Middle East is useful. It will make talking and working together easy. There will be steps to make politics, money, and safety better.
Soon, there will be a big meeting with Jordan. Before this, there was a good meeting with Egypt. These meetings will find things they like together. They will also find chances for new projects. EU leaders will meet with their neighbours in April. They can talk face-to-face. Presidents von der Leyen and Costa visited Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. This shows the EU wants to talk to them.
Cyprus wants to help the EU and the Middle East get along. Cyprus knows the Middle East. It will help the EU learn about the region. It will also help the Middle East learn about the EU. Cyprus wants to be a place for talking. We will see if this leads to good results.