Foreign Minister Dr.Constantinos Kombos participated in the work of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) which took place today in Brussels.
The discussions focused on Ukraine, with Foreign Ministers assessing the situation and exchanging views on the coordinated response of the European Union.
In his intervention, the Foreign Minister reiterated Cyprus' full support and solidarity with the Ukrainian Government and the people of Ukraine. We stand unequivocally for respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine and condemn Russia's continued brutal attacks by Russia against the civilian population in Ukraine, he underlined. At the same time, Dr. Kobos stressed that Cyprus supports all efforts to ensure accountability for the human rights violations committed by Russia in Ukraine over the past year. The Foreign Minister also referred to the adoption of sanctions against Russia, stressing the importance of their implementation and of taking measures against the practice of circumventing them by countries such as Turkey, which, he noted, seeks to take advantage of the whole situation, avoiding aligning itself with the restrictive measures imposed by the EU against Russia.
Under current affairs, the Foreign Ministers had the opportunity to exchange views on issues in the international news, including the situation in Iran and the outcome of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue meeting held in Ohrid.
During a working lunch, where the main topic of discussion was the situation in Tunisia, the Foreign Minister stressed the need to send a clear message that the EU wishes to remain on the side of the country. At the same time, Dr. Combos made special reference to the urgent need for dialogue with the Tunisian authorities in order to prevent illegal migrant flows to Europe.
After the Council, Dr. Combos will participate together with the Minister of Defence, Mr.
Earlier today, before the opening of the FAC session, the Foreign Minister attended the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Humanitarian Forum co-organized by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Earlier today, before the opening of the FAC session, the Foreign Minister attended the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Humanitarian Forum co-organized by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Minister also participated in the Donors' Conference for the people of Syria and Turkey organised by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The aim was to collect pledges and coordinate international aid to the affected areas. In implementation of the decision of the Council of Ministers of 15 February 2023, Cyprus announced a donation of 500 thousand euros, which will be given to UNHCR and UNICEF, respectively. Borrell as well as the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Sweden and Hungary, with whom he had the opportunity to discuss issues of bilateral and European interest.
(MGS)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
