The Minister of Foreign Affairs pays working visit to BerlinThe Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Constantinos Kombos visited Berlin today, where he participated in the Ministerial Conference "A bigger, stronger Union – making the European Union fit for enlargement and candidate countries fit for membership".
The Ministerial Conference was hosted by the German Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Annalena Baerbock and was attended both by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of EU Member States and of candidate countries.
Minister Kombos participated in a discussion/working group under the theme "Reforming the EU", in which he noted that the EU must proceed with operational reforms in a challenging geopolitical situation while at the same time having realistic expectations. He also underlined that the candidate countries need to strictly adhere to the Copenhagen criteria, as this is a matter of respect for the fundamental rights, principles and values of the EU and the EU’s enlargement process. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of strengthening and expanding the tools the EU has at its disposal, such as the Rule of Law mechanism in relation to the candidate countries.
During his stay in Berlin, the Foreign Minister had a meeting with the German Foreign Minister Ms Annalena Baerbock. The two Ministers discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and Cyprus’ role as a regional pilar of stability and security. In addition, the two officials exchanged views on Cyprus' initiative to develop a safe, regulated, and sustainable maritime humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. Furthermore, discussion focused on the EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus Question. In this context, Minister Kombos briefed his German counterpart on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus Question. ----Thursday, 2 November 2023