Address by the President of the Democratic Rally, Mr. Averof Neofytou at the Conference in honor of Federal Defence Minister of Germany, Dr. Ursula Von der Leyen
“European & Eastern Mediterranean Security. Geopolitical challenges and opportunities”
Thursday, 5th March 2019, Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia 10.45 a.m.
Dear Federal Minister of Defence,
Dear Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus,
Dear friends,
I would like to thank you for joining us today at the European & Eastern Mediterranean Security. Geopolitical challenges and opportunities Conference in honor of the Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, Dr. Ursula Von der Leyen.
In particular, I would like to thank the Federal Minister for being with us today.
Dear Minister,
It is an honor for the Democratic Rally and me personally to welcome you to Cyprus and in Nicosia in particular.
Nicosia, is still after 45 years from the Turkish invasion, the last divided capital in Europe after Germany’s reunification. As a German yourself, you have first-hand knowledge of the impact of divided lands.
Dear Friends,
This conference takes place at a time of multiple challenges across Europe. And of political instability and conflicts in the periphery. In one of the most challenging, yet most interesting neighborhoods of the world. Rightly, European citizens are calling for a more secure environment.
Our region is rich in conflicts and geostrategic challenges. The severe humanitarian and refugee crises have increased migration flows. At the same time, the energy potential has turned the global energy spotlight on the region. The recent announcements from ExxonMobil regarding “Glafkos” in our Exclusive Economic Zone are telling of this potential.
The geopolitical map is changing. New horizons for bilateral relations in the region are opening for Cyprus and the European Union, creating conditions for wider synergies.
The geopolitical challenges increase the need for a stability pillar in the region. The strategic objective is to transform the Eastern Mediterranean. From a region of conflict into one of stability, security and prosperity. As such, regional and international actors like the European Union, have a role to play to safeguard the stability of the region.
Cyprus is an EU Member State with full-fledged involvement in European Defence matters. It is full member of PESCO, a legally binding commitment of European member states for closer cooperation in security and defence. To achieve this, enhanced coordination, increased investment in defence and cooperation in developing defence capabilities are key and Cyprus is a committed member.
Further, Cyprus places great emphasis on innovation in the defence and security area as well. As a full member of the European Defence Agency, it is connecting Cypriot Universities and innovative companies with their European counterparts to take advantage of the €13 billion available for research and development in this area.
Cyprus has a unique geostrategic location and long – standing historical ties of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding with all neighboring countries, except Turkey. It brings to the European table our bridging role. In fostering peace and cooperation in this volatile region by pursuing an outward-looking policy to promote regional cooperation.
The trilateral cooperation mechanisms promoted with Greece and key players such as Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon are core to this. And serve as a model of regional dialogue, contributing to the consolidation of peace, stability and prosperity. They also serve as a tool for achieving greater understanding and cooperation on all levels.
There is no doubt that these initiatives will contribute not only to regional security, but also to the security of the European Union and its citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Federal Minister,
The potential of the European Union to act as a security provider in the turbulent region is valid and comprehensive. It goes beyond defence, focusing on cooperation, diplomacy, economic growth, stability and societal security. Achieving the goals set forth within the European Union Global Strategy. By supporting the development of regional economies and enhancing the security cooperation with the countries in the region.
We as Europeans share the same values. To this end we are moving forward to create those conditions that will enable common understanding of existing and future challenges.
We stand with our European family, the European People’s Party, to support the mandate of our leading candidate for the Presidency of the Commission, Manfred Weber to work for a better Europe together. To help build a more united, more secure, more ambitious – indeed a stronger Europe together.
I would like to thank you again for your presence here with us. I am looking forward to the conference proceedings and the discussion.
