Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has stressed the need to act collectively, with determination and in a coordinated manner against the Islamic State.
Kasoulides addressed on Wednesday the first Ministerial Summit of the Coalition of countries against the Islamic State, organized by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry.
The Summit took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and aimed to coordinate at a political level the Coalition’s efforts to address and combat the threat of the Islamic State.
“Not only does it constitute a threat that causes problems in the region, but it also threatens our common values. Therefore, we should act in concert, collectively and with determination” said the Foreign Affairs Minister in his intervention.
He made a special reference to the need to support, in practical ways, the stability and security of Jordan and Lebanon and referred to Cyprus` practical contribution to EU efforts to support Lebanon’s Armed Forces.
“Building on the existing cooperation models, the EU together with the other interested parties should continue the efforts to achieve the mutual vision for peace, security and stability in the region” he said.
He noted that the presence of more than 60 delegations at the Summit is indicative of the severity of the situation and of the political will of the international community to combat the threat of the Islamic State.
he Minister of Foreign Affairs was set to meet the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos, and the Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu to discuss issues that fall within their competence.