Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will further strengthen its relations with the Gulf countries, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Sunday, adding that he will soon undertake another tour of the region.
Plans to deepen Gulf ties
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Kombos said Cyprus is “close to all the countries where we have relations.” He said, “With the Gulf we will strengthen our relations” because it is something “very important that will continue.”
Regional leaders’ presence in Nicosia
Kombos recalled the presence of leaders from the region at the informal European Council in Nicosia a week ago. He said the presence of leaders from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, as well as the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, was an important event not only for the Cyprus Presidency but also for the European Union.
Foreign policy and Turkey
“The facts are changing and we are not mere observers,” Kombos said. He added that while Cyprus understands that its foreign policy efforts “may bother Turkey,” he said that would not determine Cyprus’ policy. He also said the Cyprus presidency of the EU Council was not affected in any way by Turkish moves.
How do you think Cyprus’ stronger ties with Gulf countries could affect its role within the European Union?