Cyprus has reaffirmed its readiness to actively support EU membership for Ukraine, President Nikos Christodoulides told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a telephone conversation on Thursday.
According to a written statement by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the call took place at a time of particular political significance, as the Republic of Cyprus is set to officially assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Zelensky to attend EU Presidency opening in Nicosia
During the conversation, President Zelensky congratulated President Christodoulides on the launch of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union and confirmed that he will attend the official opening ceremony, scheduled to take place in Nicosia on 7 January.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said he congratulated the Cypriot President on the start of the EU Council Presidency, stressing that Ukraine “relies on strong decisions that will strengthen Ukraine and the whole of Europe over the next six months”.
Cyprus’ support linked to shared principles
As outlined in the statement, President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ firm and longstanding commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people, Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and free will.
He underlined that Cyprus’ position is rooted in the same values and principles that guide the Republic, noting that Cyprus itself continues to experience the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing occupation.
The President also stressed that support for Ukraine in their bid for EU membership will remain a core political priority throughout Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Ukraine among Presidency priorities
President Christodoulides expressed Cyprus’ readiness to contribute actively, through concrete initiatives and actions, to advancing Ukraine EU membership and safeguarding the principles of international law.
President Zelensky, in his own statement, said he briefed President Christodoulides on recent developments and international peace efforts aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. He also emphasised the importance of keeping Ukraine high on the agenda during the Cypriot Presidency.
“Ukraine’s membership of the European Union is one of the security guarantees for us, and from our side we are doing everything necessary,” Zelensky said, adding that efforts to achieve peace are continuous and cannot be paused.
He concluded by thanking Cyprus and the Cypriot people for their support, as well as President Christodoulides personally, for his warm remarks towards Ukraine and its people.
Also read: Von der Leyen: The Cypriot EU Presidency begins at a pivotal moment for Europe
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