On his return from an official visit to Nicosia on 8 and 9 September, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, announced that he had invited the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, to visit Strasbourg during the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union, which begins in January 2026.
Earlier this week, the three men, together with the Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, discussed ways of strengthening cooperation between Cyprus and the Council of Europe as part of this presidency, explained Alain Berset in a press release published on Tuesday 9 September.
“A new geopolitical landscape is unfolding in political, economic and military terms”, he added, “Based on our shared values, and making full use of our strong institutions, the states and people of Europe must resolutely work together to safeguard our democratic future. Given its unique circumstances, Cyprus has a key role to play in this process”.
He also reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s long-standing position in favour of a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Discussions also focused on the situation in the Middle East, given Cyprus’ proximity to this region.
Cyprus and the Council of Europe will be able to work more closely together in this area, which will help to strengthen the external dimension of the Organisation, according to Alain Berset. (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)