Macron and Anastasiades to discuss energy and security

Energy issues, cooperation in the field of security, other bilateral topics, as well as the Cyprus problem, will be among the issues to be discussed during a meeting that will be held this afternoon in Nicosia between the Presidents of Cyprus and France.

According to CNA sources, the official meeting between President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and French President Emmanuel Macron takes place in the framework of the ongoing contacts between the two countries, both at the level of the two Presidents and at ministerial level. It is noted that the deliberations between the two states are underway for some time now. The two sides are working on closer cooperation and possible agreements on energy and security.

Present at the meeting will be, on behalf of Cyprus, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, Minister of Defence Savvas Aggelides and Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou, while the French Minister will be accompanied by a delegation from the presidency.

The 5th MED-7 Summit is set to focus on the great challenges the EU is faced with today, including the migration crisis, Brexit, energy security, the next multi-annual financial framework, developments in the euro area and climate change.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades will host French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, in Nicosia.

In statements yesterday, Government Spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said that “the seven countries share common interests.”

He further pointed out that some of the greatest challenges Europe is faced with today are of particular interest to the Mediterranean, noting that such challenges include the migration issue and the inflow of refugees.

A joint declaration is expected to be issued after the Summit concludes.