The discussion on the situation in the Middle East was preceded by an informal exchange of views, in separate meetings, with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and the Palestinian Authority
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, speaking during the discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, held today in Brussels, reiterated Cyprus' readiness to contribute to the uninterrupted and safe provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, noting that the utilization of humanitarian maritime corridor remains a credible option in this direction.
As stated in a statement broadcast by the IGT, Mr. Kombos participated on Monday in the Council of Foreign Affairs of the EU, in Brussels, which was occupied by the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The Ministers exchanged views on a number of foreign policy issues that are in the international current affairs, including the developments in relation to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The discussion on the situation in the Middle East was preceded by an informal exchange of views, in separate meetings, with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
EU Foreign Ministers had a working lunch with the Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority and the Secretary General of the Arab League.
Speaking during the discussions, Mr. Kombos underlined the need to create a political horizon for the revival of the Middle East Peace Process. He also pointed out the need for the immediate provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.
With reference to Ukraine, Mr. Kombos reiterated Cyprus' support to Ukraine, while regarding sanctions, he noted that Cyprus attaches great importance to measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.
In his intervention, during the discussion on the situation in relation to Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Cyprus welcomes and encourages the process of normalization of relations between the two countries. He underlined that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia should be fully respected and every step towards normalization should be guided by this principle.
On the sidelines of the Council the Foreign Minister had bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Slovakia Juraj Blanár, Jordan Ayman Safadi and the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki.
On Tuesday, Mr. Kombos will participate in the EU-Egypt Association Council, which marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the EU-Egypt Association Agreement in 2004. The Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.