House committee examines Cyprus’ strategic role in Eastern Mediterranean

Nicosia, Cyprus. The House foreign affairs committee discussed Cyprus’ role as a bridge between the European Union and the Eastern Mediterranean, including opportunities to expand cooperation in defence, energy and infrastructure.

Regional priorities

The discussion focused on the challenges, opportunities and strategic priorities facing Cyprus as an EU member state on the bloc’s eastern Mediterranean frontier. MEPs Costas Mavrides of Diko and Fidias Panayiotou of Direct Democracy attended the meeting.

Foreign ministry Middle East department head Andrea Petranyi said Cyprus had highlighted the importance of the region during its EU Council presidency, culminating in an informal summit in Nicosia in April attended by five regional leaders.

She also referred to the Cypriot delegation attending the UN General Assembly in New York, where President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos were holding meetings with regional leaders and representatives.

Petranyi said Cyprus consistently promotes itself as a bridge between the region and the EU.

Defence and economic cooperation

Lieutenant Colonel Panicos Papagrigoriou of the defence ministry’s defence diplomacy department described Cyprus’ defence cooperation with regional countries as “excellent”.

He cited the signing of Status of Forces Agreements with Israel and Jordan, as well as upgraded cooperation with Egypt. Cyprus’ role as a bridge to the EU, he said, helps provide access to new capabilities and opportunities.

Commerce chamber Keve deputy secretary-general Andreas Andreou said regional stability contributes to economic growth and described Cyprus as a pillar of stability and cooperation.

He highlighted the need to upgrade infrastructure, including the container terminal at Limassol port, and pointed to opportunities for Cyprus to support neighbouring countries in the energy sector and further develop its defence industry.

Strategic partnerships

Mavrides said strategic partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean could be developed around energy and security, referring to the East Mediterranean Gas Forum and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.