A road map for further strengthening of bilateral relations between Cyprus-Italy was agreed during his meetings in Rome with his counterpart Sergio Mattarella and Premier Giorgia Meloni, President Nikos Christodoulides said.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, following the conclusion of his meetings, the President described these meetings as productive, pointing out that the one with the Italian Prime Minister was very long.

He spoke of the historical ties between the two countries, being Mediterranean states with common challenges such as migration.

President Christodoulides said that they agreed with Meloni to work on the basis of a road map in the immediate future with the aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

He said that he was briefed by the Prime Minister on migration influxes and some initiatives Italy is undertaking as regards asylum seekers and the situation in Syria.

Energy was also on the agenda, and the President said that Meloni was in contact with the President of ENI and knows of the drillings in Cyprus’ EEZ.

President Christodoulides said that Italy supports Nicosia’s proposal for Gaza and that Meloni presented two ideas for a more active involvement by Italy.

Discussions were also made on EU issues and the two sides agreed to stay in touch.

President Christodoulides said both Mattarella and Meloni accepted his invitation to visit Cyprus.

He said that the last time an Italian Premier visited the island was 33 years ago while it will be the first time an Italian President will visit Cyprus.

Speaking during his meeting with Mattarella earlier, the President said that 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the accession of Cyprus to the EU which is the most historic, the most important moment in the history of the Republic of Cyprus. He took the opportunity to extend an invitation to his Italian counterpart to visit the island.