CHRISTODOULIDES - 'CYPRUS CAN PUNCH ABOVE ITS WEIGHT' - Cy Mail 25/4 by James Morphakis
Cyprus has demonstrated its ability to influence developments beyond its size, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday, following the informal European Council meeting held on the island on Friday.
In a post on X, Christodoulides said the country had “once again” shown it can “mobilise, contribute and play a substantial role in shaping developments beyond its size,” pointing to the hosting of EU leaders at what he described as a critical moment for the Levant and Europe.
“Over the last two days, Cyprus has responded,” he said, referring to the summit, which brought together European leaders to address regional instability and broader strategic challenges. He added that the meeting was aimed not only at exchanging views but also at advancing “targeted” outcomes.
The president expressed confidence in the country’s broader role, saying he believes “absolutely” in “its potential, its role, its ability to connect regions and perform beyond expectations.”
He added, “I am proud of our country, proud of what we have achieved and optimistic about what we can continue to offer.”
The summit was framed by the government as part of efforts to position the country as an interlocutor between Europe and the Gulf.
Discussions among leaders focused on security, energy and migration, as well as the impact of ongoing regional conflicts on European stability.
In earlier remarks, Christodoulides expressed hope that such gatherings would mark the start of “a more consistent, more results-oriented dialogue” with a clear goal of “a stronger European Union” alongside “a stronger, more stable region.”
European Council President Antonio Costa attending the summit remarked that “Cyprus is a vital anchor of cooperation and European engagement in the region.”
Christodoulides reiterated that the nation would continue to act as a connector, concluding that “Cyprus can mobilise, contribute and play a substantial role.”
Cyprus has demonstrated its ability to influence developments beyond its size, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday, following the informal European Council meeting held on the island on Friday.
In a post on X, Christodoulides said the country had “once again” shown it can “mobilise, contribute and play a substantial role in shaping developments beyond its size,” pointing to the hosting of EU leaders at what he described as a critical moment for the Levant and Europe.
“Over the last two days, Cyprus has responded,” he said, referring to the summit, which brought together European leaders to address regional instability and broader strategic challenges. He added that the meeting was aimed not only at exchanging views but also at advancing “targeted” outcomes.
The president expressed confidence in the country’s broader role, saying he believes “absolutely” in “its potential, its role, its ability to connect regions and perform beyond expectations.”
He added, “I am proud of our country, proud of what we have achieved and optimistic about what we can continue to offer.”
The summit was framed by the government as part of efforts to position the country as an interlocutor between Europe and the Gulf.
Discussions among leaders focused on security, energy and migration, as well as the impact of ongoing regional conflicts on European stability.
In earlier remarks, Christodoulides expressed hope that such gatherings would mark the start of “a more consistent, more results-oriented dialogue” with a clear goal of “a stronger European Union” alongside “a stronger, more stable region.”
European Council President Antonio Costa attending the summit remarked that “Cyprus is a vital anchor of cooperation and European engagement in the region.”
Christodoulides reiterated that the nation would continue to act as a connector, concluding that “Cyprus can mobilise, contribute and play a substantial role.”
