President Nikos Christodoulides thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for responding to Cyprus’ request for financial assistance to address the challenges posed by foot‑and‑mouth disease and to help revive the livestock sector.
He also expressed appreciation for the Commission’s measures aimed at protecting Cyprus from similar agricultural crises in the future.
Christodoulides said he was encouraged by what he described as substantial progress from the Commission on Cyprus’ goal of becoming a full member of the Schengen area.
The president and von der Leyen also discussed the conflict in the Middle East. They highlighted the importance of the Commission’s decision — made at Cyprus’ request — to provide €100 million in financial aid to Lebanon to help address the country’s severe humanitarian situation.
Christodoulides reiterated Nicosia’s readiness to host a possible Lebanon‑Israel meeting.
He described his discussion with von der Leyen as particularly important, noting the response of EU member states to Cyprus’ call for action on the Middle East crisis.