Jordan's King Abdullah joins MED9 Summit for key security talks

Leaders from nine Mediterranean nations convened in Cyprus on Friday for the MED9 Summit, reaffirming their commitment to tackling shared challenges, according to a report by Kathimerini's Pavlos Neophytou. The summit, held in the scenic mountainous region of Paphos, was marked by the participation of Jordan’s King Abdullah and came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly developments in Lebanon. The European Union's role, alongside Cyprus’s position in fostering de-escalation, was a central focus of the meeting.

The summit, hosted at a luxury resort in Chad, was also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding significance to the discussions and the anticipated Joint Declaration by the leaders.

Key Topics and Timing

The Jordanian presence at the summit was viewed as pivotal by Cypriot officials, who hoped for substantive outcomes from bilateral talks between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and King Abdullah. Discussions aimed to further strengthen Jordan-EU relations, with both Cyprus and Jordan being seen as stabilizing forces in the region. A particular focus was on a joint Cyprus-Jordan initiative to establish a regional firefighting center, showcasing practical regional cooperation.

Though not a primary agenda item, President Christodoulides briefed attendees on the ongoing Cyprus issue, ahead of an informal trilateral meeting scheduled for October 15 in New York.

EU-Jordan Relations and Middle East Crisis

The summit kicked off with a working lunch focused on EU-Jordan relations, followed by a working session on the Middle East. King Abdullah presented an update on the rapidly evolving situation in the region, including the spread of conflict to Lebanon. Discussions centered on the urgent need for de-escalation, protection of civilians, humanitarian support for Lebanon, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735.

The Cypriot government, representing the EU’s interests in the region, expressed frustration over the EU-27's inability to reach a unified stance on the Middle East crisis. Cyprus aims to lead the MED9 countries in forming a common position ahead of the European Council meeting, where further discussions on a ceasefire are expected.

European Priorities

Following the departure of the Jordanian delegation, a second session focused on European issues began at 5 p.m. President Christodoulides outlined Cyprus’s key priorities for the Mediterranean in the next institutional cycle. These included migration, climate change, and competitiveness.

On migration, Christodoulides emphasized the need for a balanced approach, highlighting the importance of both the EU’s Pact on Immigration and Asylum and addressing the external dimension of migration challenges. Regarding climate change, he reiterated Cyprus’s initiative to revitalize efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The president also stressed the importance of boosting European competitiveness, which would be a major focus in upcoming EU discussions. He highlighted the need for investment, reduced dependencies, and strengthening the EU’s defense industry to enhance strategic autonomy.

Looking Ahead

The outcomes of the summit are expected to shape discussions at the European Council meeting in the coming week, as leaders push for a unified stance on the Middle East crisis and other pressing issues facing the Mediterranean region.

The summit concluded with optimism for increased cooperation, though significant challenges remain on the horizon for both the EU and its regional partners.