Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides is calling for more migration agreements with third countries in order to address immigration issues. He emphasized the success of the EU’s agreement with Lebanon, which provided economic aid in exchange for cooperation in curbing illegal immigration to Europe. President Christodoulides expressed willingness to explore other solutions, including return hubs, while ensuring that all actions are in accordance with international humanitarian law. He stressed the importance of working with the UNHCR to ensure legitimacy in addressing migration challenges.
Cyprus is one of the first EU countries to advocate for normalizing relations with Syria, with the goal of facilitating the return of migrants who fled the civil war that began in 2011. While President Christodoulides acknowledges the need for infrastructure to support the return of Syrians to their country, he emphasized that dialogue should not be hindered by differences with the Assad regime. The president highlighted the importance of hospitals, schools, and roads as essential infrastructure for the return of displaced Syrians, underscoring the need for investment in these areas.
Efforts to resume talks with the Turkish side on Cyprus reunification have been ongoing, with President Christodoulides recently meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. The aim is to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue, which has remained unresolved since the talks in Crans-Montana collapsed seven years ago. President Christodoulides emphasized the significance of internal functioning for Cyprus in the context of its relationship with the EU, highlighting the need for progress in resolving the Cyprus problem.
The division of Cyprus following Turkey’s invasion in 1974 and a coup d’etat remains a key issue in discussions on the reunification of the island. President Christodoulides underscored the importance of addressing internal challenges in Cyprus to enable effective engagement with the EU and progress in Euro-Turkish relations. He highlighted the EU’s shared interest in seeing progress made in resolving the Cyprus issue, which could have implications for broader Euro-Turkish relations. The president emphasized the need for continued talks and tangible progress in resolving the Cyprus issue in order to advance relations among all parties involved.
President Christodoulides is advocating for a comprehensive approach to addressing migration challenges, including the establishment of migration agreements with third countries and measures to support the return of displaced persons to Syria. By pursuing normalization with Syria and focusing on infrastructure development, Cyprus aims to facilitate the return of migrants who have fled the conflict. Efforts to resume talks on the Cyprus issue also remain a priority for the president, who sees progress in resolving this longstanding conflict as essential for enhancing relations with the EU and Turkey. The president’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing complex geopolitical challenges in the region through dialogue, cooperation, and investment in essential infrastructure for the benefit of all parties involved.
