Cyprus Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos took part Monday in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where ministers discussed the bloc’s security strategy, Russia’s war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East and Gulf region.
During the session on Ukraine, Kombos said EU support must be maintained and strengthened given the current geopolitical climate. He noted that the Cypriot EU Council presidency worked to secure consensus on renewing sanctions linked to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and stressed the importance of agreeing on a 20th sanctions package against Russia, as well as a €90 billion loan for Kyiv.
On the Middle East, Kombos called for de‑escalation and a return to diplomacy. He thanked EU partners for their support toward Cyprus amid regional tensions and said the situation underscored the need for a stronger EU role. He also highlighted the importance of coordinated action on the Strait of Hormuz and urged increased support for Lebanon, including economic and humanitarian assistance. He expressed concern over conditions in the West Bank.
In discussions on the EU’s Southern Neighborhood, Kombos said the proposed Mediterranean Pact could serve as a framework for strengthening ties with partner countries through concrete results and a positive agenda.
EU ministers also held a working lunch with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Kombos noted shared interests between the EU and India, particularly in maritime security.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Kombos held bilateral talks with Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka. He also met Jaishankar on Sunday.