Cyprus has started its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. This period is important. It will focus on building stronger links between the EU and the Middle East. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus will use its location and knowledge. This will help create better relationships.
Leaders from the EU attended an opening ceremony. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was there. European Council President Antonio Costa also came. Ministers and representatives from Middle Eastern countries were present. This showed a shared wish to improve connections. President Christodoulides called it a strong sign.
Cyprus wants to make current plans into real actions. Its location between Europe and the Middle East is a big help. This will make talking and working together easier. The plan includes concrete steps. These will improve political, economic, and security links.
Next, there will be an EU-Jordan summit. This follows a useful EU-Egypt meeting. These important meetings will find common interests. They will also identify project chances. An informal meeting of EU leaders and neighbours will happen in April. This will be a good chance for direct talks. Presidents von der Leyen and Costa visited Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. This shows the EU is trying to talk to important countries.
Cyprus wants a more stable and helpful way to interact. It knows the Middle East well. Cyprus will help the EU understand the region better. It will also help the Middle East understand the EU. Cyprus wants to be a key place for talks. The success of this presidency will be seen in lasting good results.