Italian President Sergio Mattarella, during his state visit to Cyprus, emphasized the urgent need for swift adoption of an EU migration and asylum pact. Mattarella, the first Italian president to make such a visit to Cyprus, held discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and other officials, addressing key international issues including the division of Cyprus, which has long been a source of tension with Turkey.
Mattarella highlighted the opportunity and responsibility of the European Union to transform the migration issue from its current state of disorder, often exploited by human traffickers, into a structured and legal process. Stressing the urgency of defining a new migration pact and reaching agreements with origin and transit countries, Mattarella underscored the significant impact of migration flows on Cyprus, given its proximity to Lebanon and strategic location.
During his visit, Mattarella walked along the Green Line, symbolizing the division of Cyprus, and expressed the need to address the lingering wounds of the conflict. He emphasized the importance of EU involvement in initiatives such as the Mattei Plan, which seeks cooperation with African countries under EU auspices to address migration comprehensively.
In addition to migration issues, discussions during the visit touched on the conflict in Gaza and Russian strategic policy. Mattarella reaffirmed the strong ties between Italy and Cyprus, based on shared values of peace and respect for international law. He also reiterated Italy’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the EU’s continued backing for the country in the face of Russian aggression.