Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos stressed the need for the comprehensive utilization of EU tools to prevent further escalation and to safeguard human rights on the basis of universal principles in Iran, addressing his EU colleagues in Brussels on Thursday.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council’s (FAC) agenda included Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and developments in the African Great Lakes region.
During a working breakfast, a Ministry press release said, Ministers reviewed geopolitical developments and exchanged views on the direction of EU foreign policy for 2026. The Minister of Foreign Affairs presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, with an emphasis on external relations.
During the discussion on Ukraine, Kombos noted Cyprus’ readiness to promote the processes for the adoption of the twentieth sanctions package, as well as for further support to Ukraine across all sectors. He also stressed the need for immediate EU assistance to protect critical infrastructure, particularly the country’s energy sector.
With regard to the Middle East, the press release added, the Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that Cyprus fully supports efforts for the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, emphasizing the need for the EU to play a substantive role in cooperation with the United States and Arab partners. Kombos pointed out that Cyprus will continue to contribute actively through the provision of humanitarian assistance, including via the maritime corridor, as well as through training activities in cooperation with EU missions.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding developments in Iran, “he expressed strong concern over the deterioration of the internal situation and condemned the loss of human life, stressing the need for the comprehensive utilization of EU tools to prevent further escalation and to safeguard human rights on the basis of universal principles.”
With regard to Syria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs supported the full implementation of the ceasefire and relevant agreements as the only viable path to preserving the country’s unity and protecting the rights of all communities, while contributing to regional stability and security.
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs also exchanged views with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. In his intervention, Kombos reiterated the firm commitment of the Republic of Cyprus, including in its capacity as a member of the Human Rights Council, to the promotion and protection of human rights.
On the margins of the Council, the Minister met with the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, as well as held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó.
