The Summit of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of European Affairs of the MED9 group begun on Thursday morning at the new Nicosia City Hall.

Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, welcomed earlier her counterparts from the other member states of the MED9 group.

The first item on the agenda was the situation in the Middle East. The exchange of views on the situation is also taking place in view of the discussion that will take place on the issue at the level of the heads of the MED9 states, at the Pafos meeting on October 10-11.

A discussion on the new EU institutional cycle and a review of the MED9 priorities will follow in view of the European elections and the new leadership of the bloc’s institutions. European Affairs Ministers and MED9 representatives will also discuss the migration issue, EU competitiveness, energy issues, demographic challenges and climate change.

According to information CNA has obtained, Cyprus' position is that a strong strategic relationship at the level of the Southern Neighbourhood is of great importance for Europe but also for addressing the challenges and for the development of the region's potential.

Later, the Ministers and Deputy Ministers will sit at a working lunch where they will discuss, according to information, the improvement of the structure and operation of the MED9 to have a more effective role within the EU to promote effective solutions in the common challenges they face.

According to the programme of the Summit, statements are scheduled for 12.30.