Cyprus and Greece will jointly apply for funds in the framework of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum,  Minister of the Interior Constantinos Ioannou agreed on Friday with the Greek Minister of Immigration and Asylum Dimitris Kairidis. The  two Ministers met, in Delphi, on the sidelines of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum.

According to Cyprus’ Interior Ministry, during the meeting, two Ministers discussed aspects of migration and Ioannou informed Kairidis about Cyprus’ initiative to create a group of states that will deal with the issue of Syria and his intention to send a letter to the states that have expressed interest for further coordination. Kairidis acknowledged the importance of the initiative and conveyed Greece’s willingness to participate in it. Cyprus wants the EU to designate parts of Syria as  safe for migratory returns.

The two Ministers also discussed about the increase in migratory flows and the need for joint action for better management. In this context, issues related to the reception conditions and the integration procedures were discussed.

Finally, Ioannou and Kairidis exchanged views on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum and agreed to create a Cyprus-Greece team to jointly apply for funds through this new Pact, as it is noted.

In a post on X, the Cypriot Interior Minister welcomed Greece to the EU group of states being formed on the Syrian issue.

“We discussed with the Minister of Immigration Dimitris Kairidis the increase in migration flows, due to various external factors. We agreed to jointly claim funds from the Pact’s new Fund,” Ioannou said in his post.