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Foreign Minister Dr.Constantinos Kombos participated in the work of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), which took place today in Brussels.
The Council discussed the latest developments in relation to Ukraine and the situation in the Horn of Africa. There was also a discussion on the Western Balkans, while ministers attended an informal working lunch with foreign ministers from the region. The "27" also discussed other current regional and international issues, including developments in Tunisia and the EU's relations with Central Asian countries.
During the discussion on Ukraine, Ministers exchanged views on the latest developments, in the presence of the EU Special Envoy for the implementation of sanctions, Mr David O'Sullivan. In his intervention, Dr. Kombos reiterated Cyprus' solidarity and support to the Government and people of Ukraine, stressing that the EU must continue - united - to provide all possible assistance to the country. Referring specifically to the issue of sanctions, the Foreign Minister, after noting that Cyprus fully supports the efforts of the EU Special Representative, argued that the circumvention of sanctions by third countries undermines the collective effort of the EU and its Member States. In this context, he made specific reference to Turkey, which, he said, by avoiding alignment with EU restrictive measures, seeks to take advantage of the situation.
In discussing the situation in the Horn of Africa, Dr. Kombos referred to the particularly worrying humanitarian situation in the region. In this context, he made particular reference to Sudan, noting that Cyprus supports regional and international ceasefire efforts, as well as international initiatives to send urgent humanitarian aid to the country. Cyprus, once again acting as a safe port of reception and transit, participated in the evacuation operations of third country civilians, facilitating the evacuation of more than 2,600 people, Dr. Combos noted.
With regard to the Western Balkans, the Foreign Minister referred to the importance the EU attaches to the region, noting that since the EU-Western Balkans Summit last December, significant steps have been taken so far. We look forward to an inclusive process that delivers tangible results, Dr. Kombos underlined. In conclusion, the Foreign Minister stressed that the Western Balkans is the key to maintaining regional security and stability and therefore the EU must maintain its positive footprint in the region.
During the current affairs debate, the Foreign Minister referred to EU-Central Asia relations, underlining that Cyprus supports enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region. At the same time, he pointed out, the EU - as it does with all its partners - expects countries in the region to act in full compliance with international law. In this context, the Minister asked for the EU's support regarding Turkey's efforts to upgrade the pseudo-state within the Organisation of Turkic States, but also in relation to the efforts made towards certain countries in the region for direct flights to the occupied territories.
Finally, referring to the latest developments in Tunisia, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of continuing the EU's dialogue with that country to address major challenges, such as migration.
In the margins of the Council, the Minister met with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó. During the meeting, bilateral issues were raised as well as Turkey's efforts to upgrade the status of the pseudo-state within the Organization of Turkic States. The Hungarian Minister reiterated his country's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus. For his part, Dr. Kobos made it clear that Hungary, as an EU member state, is expected to synchronize its statements and actions.
(MP/EP)
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