Press Releases

The 5^th Southern EU Countries Summit opened its deliberations today, shortly after 5 p.m., at the Filoxenia Conference Centre, in Lefkosia.

The Summit is hosted by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, with the participation of the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Malta, Mr Joseph Muscat, the Hellenic Republic, Mr Alexis Tsipras, the Italian Republic, Mr Giuseppe Conte, and the Portuguese Republic, Mr Antonio Costa, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr Joseph Borrell Fontelles.

The Heads of State and Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain arrived at the Filoxenia Conference Centre shortly after 5 p.m., and were officially welcomed by President Anastasiades.

The Summit is expected to address issues of common European interest, such as Migration, the Refugee crisis, Eurozone reform, Europe's Energy Security, and the ways the EU can enhance its autonomy on energy issues and climate change, as well as Brexit.

In addition, President Anastasiades will brief the "6" on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue and the need for more active EU involvement. The agenda also includes issues such as the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 and the forthcoming Conference between the Arab League and the EU.

Statements to the press will follow and a joint declaration will be issued. The President of the Republic will then host a dinner for his six high-profile guests, at the Presidential Palace.

Earlier in the day, President Anastasiades held tête-à-tête meetings with the Prime Minister of Portugal, MrAntonio Costa, and the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, at the Presidential Palace.

(MKY, ML, DK)