Nicosia, Cyprus. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said Lithuania has “something to learn” from Cyprus as it prepares to take over the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency next year. He made the comments during a visit to Cyprus’ presidential palace ahead of an informal European Council summit on the island.
Presidential meeting and shared priorities
Nauseda said many of the “priorities” of Lithuania and Cyprus are shared. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said that while “our two countries may be geographically distant”, they “have much in common which forms the basis for enhanced cooperation”.
Cooperation within the EU
Christodoulides said there is a “common will” on the part of the governments of Cyprus and Lithuania to “strengthen bilateral relations as well as cooperation between the two countries inside the EU”. He added: “The most important development for Cyprus, beyond its independence, was its accession to the EU.”
Talks between delegations
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the palace, followed by expanded talks between the Cypriot and Lithuanian delegations.
Timeline for the rotating presidency
Cyprus’ six-month term holding the rotating presidency will conclude at the end of June, when it will hand over to Ireland for the remainder of this year. Lithuania will hold the presidency for the first half of next year, for the second time since joining the bloc in 2004, having previously held it in 2013. Greece will take over for the second half of next year after Lithuania’s term ends.
What do you think are the main areas where Cyprus and Lithuania can strengthen cooperation inside the EU?