MED9 Summit Underscores Cyprus Talks amid Regional Challenges

The 11th MED9 Summit, held in Paphos, Cyprus, on Friday, October 11, underscored Turkey’s vital contribution to the swift and effective resumption of negotiations regarding the long-standing Cyprus issue. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Paphos Declaration, which specifically addressed the Cyprus problem:

“As this year marks the tragic 50th commemoration of the invasion and occupation, we reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and its acquis. The Cyprus problem is a European one. We emphasize that Turkey’s concrete contribution to the speedy resumption and successful conduct of negotiations is crucial, constituting a key element in advancing EU-Turkey relations.”

Additionally, the declaration highlighted the EU’s strategic interest in fostering a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and developing a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey, contingent upon established conditions. It stressed that issues should be resolved through peaceful means and with full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

(ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΠΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ/ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)

Following the summit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed gratitude to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides for his hospitality, stating, “I would like to express my satisfaction, dear Nikos, because the Cyprus issue, fifty years after the invasion and occupation of more than a third of Cyprus by Turkish forces, has found its place in our declaration.”

(ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΠΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ/ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)

Other Key Themes of the Paphos Declaration

Beyond the Cyprus issue, the Paphos Declaration addressed several critical themes. It emphasized the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. The EU reaffirmed its steadfast support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia while discussing strategies to enhance the Union’s economic competitiveness, productivity, and sustainable growth. Moreover, the declaration tackled essential topics pertinent to the Mediterranean region, such as energy, migration, and climate change, reflecting a comprehensive approach to regional and global challenges. You can read the full declaration here.

MED9 Participants

This year’s MED9 Summit was presided over by Cyprus and included, apart from President Christodoulides, the state leaders of France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Malta, Portugal, and Slovenia. King Abdullah II of Jordan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also invited to discuss the EU’s partnership with Jordan.

REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

As reported by To Vima, during a dinner with President Christodoulides the day before the summit, President von der Leyen enjoyed traditional Cypriot cuisine and received a delightful surprise: a sea sponge gifted to her by a Paphos resident with roots from the Greek island of Kalymnos, renowned for its sea sponge diving tradition.

Next Summits will take place in Slovenia in 2025 and Croatia in 2026.