The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides met today with the Irish Minister for European Affairs Dara Murphy, at the request of the latter, to discuss the implications of Brexit in the two countries. The two ministers met on the sidelines of the General Affairs of 28 EU, convening in Brussels.

The two ministers referred to the joint Cyprus and Ireland concerns, due to close trade and economic relations with the United Kingdom, and also stressed the need for a common approach at the 27 EU Member States in the forthcoming negotiations.

As regards the agenda of the General Affairs Council, the 28 Ministers prepared the conclusions of the European Council of 9 and March 10, 2017. The Minister said that both European citizens and businesses should enjoy equally the benefits of all EU trade agreements.

Therefore, it should be ensured that all trading partners of the Union shall apply all trade agreements made by the Member States, without discrimination and with full reciprocity. Minister Kasoulides also expressed his support for the inclusion of a reference to tackling youth unemployment.

Referring to security and defense issues, the Foreign Minister reiterated the support of Cyprus in the efforts for the EU to become a global security actor and be able to provide greater security and protection to its citizens.

Finally, regarding immigration, Kasoulides underlined the importance of reference to the passage of the Eastern Mediterranean and the EU – Turkey agreement on the basis of previous European Council conclusions.