The President of the Republic participated in the International Peace Conference, which was held in Egypt. The Conference, which was convened by the President of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, took place at a particularly critical time for the region, due to the evolving crisis but also in relation to the future of the Middle East resolution process.
During his intervention, the President of the Republic stated that the Republic of Cyprus is participating in the Conference as a neighboring country and as an EU member state closer to the region, which maintains excellent relations with neighboring states, and developments in the Middle East concern and affect it directly. President Christodoulidis added that the declared intention and will of the Republic of Cyprus is to contribute in every possible way to the de-escalation of the crisis and the provision of humanitarian aid.
The President of the Republic emphasized the need to find sustainable solutions to the complex and continuous challenges that our region faces. He also stressed that terrorism is a common threat to all countries in the region and the Republic of Cyprus has categorically condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. He pointed out that Hamas does not represent the entire Palestinian people nor the aspirations of the Palestinian Authority. President Christodoulidis added that he recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense, which must be exercised in accordance with International Law. It is imperative, the President of the Republic said, to achieve a permanent de-escalation of the crisis. Necessary components of this are the protection of all civilians, the unconditional release of all hostages and the assurance of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Finally, President Christodoulidis underlined the need to reaffirm the necessity of resolving the Middle East on the basis of the two-state solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and that it is clear from the latest developments that we have no other choice than to create the conditions to restart the peace process that will lead to lasting peace.
The International Peace Conference was attended by leaders of countries and organizations from around the world, including the Middle East and the Gulf, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and beyond, as well as the UN Secretary General, the President of the European Council and H.E. Representative of the European Union for matters of foreign policy and security policy.
After the completion of the work of the Peace Summit, the President of the Republic is going to Israel tonight where he will hold a meeting with the President and the Prime Minister of Israel.
President Christodoulidis will convey messages about the need to de-escalate the crisis affecting our region and to continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Finally, the President of the Republic will emphasize once again the need to avoid the loss of civilians from all sides and the start of a political dialogue that will lead to the creation of a horizon for the resolution of the Middle East.
