Larnaca, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that Cyprus’ security is the collective responsibility of the European Union, ahead of a visit to the island by the leaders of Greece and France.
EU responsibility and member state response
Speaking during a visit to a school in Larnaca, Christodoulides said the planned visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron was important and conveyed that Cyprus’ security is also Europe’s responsibility and the collective responsibility of the EU.
He said that following what he described as an immediate response by EU member states, the EU had an opportunity to demonstrate in practice the need to undertake the defence of EU borders. He also said the presence of many European states in Cyprus was particularly important.
Christodoulides said it was the first time such a response had been seen and described it as especially important.
Reports on possible Lebanon-Israel talks
Asked about Lebanese press reports that Cyprus may host direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, Christodoulides said he spoke with the Lebanese president on Monday morning and that he would announce anything concrete publicly when there was something to report.
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