Nicosia, Cyprus. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is visiting Cyprus to strengthen bilateral relations with concrete outcomes, in the first bilateral visit by an Italian prime minister in 36 years. The visit follows recent high-level contacts between the two countries.
Recent high-level engagements
The visit comes after President Nikos Christodoulides travelled to Rome in February and after Italian President Sergio Mattarella made a visit to Cyprus, the first Italian president to do so since diplomatic relations were established.
During a previous meeting between Christodoulides and Meloni, the two sides agreed to begin discussions on a joint partnership document. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the work has advanced and that conditions exist to reflect progress in a more specific political and operational plan.
Roadmap for structured cooperation
Letymbiotis said the visit aims to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a more structured level, with a specific roadmap, clear pillars of cooperation and tangible deliverables.
Defence, security and regional frameworks
Defence and security are expected to feature prominently, both bilaterally and within the quadrilateral cooperation framework involving Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy.
Energy, connectivity and economic ties
Energy will also be discussed, including the presence of ENI in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone. The agenda also includes digital connectivity, trade, tourism, education and culture, with Letymbiotis noting that Italy is Cyprus’s third-largest trading partner.
Letymbiotis said emphasis will be placed on the role of the Republic of Cyprus in regional connectivity, particularly the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, IMEC.
European Union agenda and regional developments
Talks are also expected to cover the work and deliverables to date of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with emphasis on its external dimension and on deepening cooperation with countries of the southern neighbourhood and the wider Middle East.
On European defence and security, the two sides are set to discuss accelerating implementation of the European Union’s defence agenda, as well as further discussion on the operational application of Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, following an initiative by the Republic of Cyprus.
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on issues including Ukraine, migration, competitiveness and the Multiannual Financial Framework, as well as developments in the Middle East and the wider region.
What outcomes from the talks will you be watching for most closely?
