Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoullis has stressed that one of the priorities of Cyprus` EU Presidency is to deepen the Southern Dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy and to highlight the importance of the relations between the EU and countries from the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. The presidency of Cyprus will emphasise in particular EU relations with the countries of North Africa, Middle East, Gulf countries and the Arab League countries, she added.

Addressing a conference organised by the European Party on “EU Relations with the Muslim and Arab World“, the Foreign Minister considered that the developments in Tunisia and Egypt will broadly determine the outcome of “Arab Spring“, pointing out that crucial elections are been prepared which will construct a system of political rights and democratic institutions, sending messages to the countries of the region.

“These are developments of historic magnitude and significance which not only determine the future of the particular countries but our future in the EU,” she said. The EU must aim to contribute with all its power to set a solid foundation, lasting democracy and prosperity in the countries of the southern neighbourhood, she added, welcoming the recent adoption by the European Commission last September of four programs which aim to support initiatives for greater democracy, economic development, a substantial number of new jobs and facilitating the access of young people to higher education.