Christodoulides urges EU support for Gulf states after summit postponed
President Nikos Christodoulides criticised the postponement of an EU-Gulf summit and called for practical support for countries affected by the regional conflict.
Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday urged greater European Union solidarity with Gulf countries as fighting intensified between Yemen’s government, backed by Saudi Arabia, and the Houthi movement, supported by Iran. He criticised the decision to postpone an EU-Gulf summit amid missile and drone strikes affecting neighbouring states.
Summit delay draws criticism
The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council summit was rescheduled because of the conflict. It had been planned for next week in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, which has suffered repeated missile strikes over recent weeks.
Christodoulides said postponing the gathering was a mistake. He argued that the EU should demonstrate the same willingness to visit Middle Eastern countries during difficult periods as it does by travelling to Ukraine while Russian missiles and drones strike that country.
He said Cyprus maintained a clear position on the issue and that he would raise it during discussions taking place that day. The EU needed to maintain its presence during the difficulties facing countries across the region, he added.
Christodoulides said the postponement was not a positive development and called for bilateral engagement with the affected countries to provide tangible solidarity and support, particularly in difficult circumstances.
Energy minister’s disrupted return
As an example of Cyprus’ approach, Christodoulides pointed to a recent energy meeting in Saudi Arabia. He said that, as he recalled, it had taken place only a few days earlier and Cyprus’ energy minister had been the sole European minister attending.
Energy Minister Michael Damianos visited Saudi Arabia for three days earlier this week. Missile fire targeting Riyadh’s airport prevented him from returning directly to Cyprus by air. He instead made an overland journey to Qatar and took a flight home from there.
Longstanding push for closer ties
Christodoulides has consistently supported stronger EU relations with the Middle East. In April, he argued that the moment had come to advance those ties.
He described the Middle East and Gulf as Europe’s neighbouring regions, stressing that their security and Europe’s were inseparable. Partners should support one another through their most challenging periods, he said, calling for decisive action to strengthen EU relations with both regions across all areas.
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