Our common task is to transform the Mediterranean Sea from a region of competing claims into a platform for cooperation, President of the Republic Nikos Chtistodoulides said on Monday at the Summit “For a More Connected Mediterranean” that took place in Nice, France.
“Our common task as leaders is to transform the Mediterranean Sea from a region of competing claims into a platform for cooperation. To do so, we must jointly advance three forms of strategic connectivity: physical, energy, and digital,” he stressed.
Referring to physical connectivity, Christodoulides said that we must strengthen regional infrastructure — not only roads and ports, but modern logistics and efficient trade corridors, but progress must be sustainable.
On energy connectivity, he noted that the Eastern Mediterranean is rapidly becoming a focal point in Europe’s evolving energy landscape, he added in his address as released by the Presidency’s press office.
“New hydrocarbon discoveries, combined with vast renewable potential, transform our region to a key energy corridor — an important alternative and complementary source for Europe. It is also a potential hub for energy cooperation across continents, promoting geopolitical stability. I firmly believe energy can be a source of cooperation, not contention. It is an opportunity to create mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved — advancing our countries, our region, and our societies,” he noted.
President Christodoulides stressed that “our vision is inclusive — open to all who respect international legality and reject revisionism”.
Referring to digital connectivity, he pointed out that the Mediterranean holds untapped potential to become a digital bridge between continents, but this requires investment, trust, and shared standards.
“Cyprus is ready to contribute — working with partners to promote secure digital infrastructure and literacy,” he added.
Concluding, the President said that the Mediterranean “is more than our shared sea — it is our shared destiny. Let us seize this moment to chart a course toward connectivity that empowers our economies, respects our environment, and unites our peoples. Cyprus stands ready to partner with all those who believe in multilateralism, cooperation, and the rules-based international order”.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the President of the Republic had brief discussions with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as with other leaders participating in the Summit, a written statement by Director of the Press Office of the President, Viktoras Papadopoulos said.
