Cyprus seeks to host EU-GCC summit in April 2026: President Christodoulides

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said today that Cyprus is working to host an expanded summit in April 2026, bringing together leaders from the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and regional countries. The initiative aligns with Cyprus assuming the presidency of the European Union early next year.

President Christodoulides made the announcement during his meeting with Kuwaiti Ambassador H.E. Abdullah Al-Kharafi, marking the conclusion of the ambassador’s diplomatic mission in Cyprus. The president emphasized that the summit, proposed for April 23, 2026, aims to foster dialogue, cooperation, and strategic partnerships between Europe and the Middle East, reports Al-Rai daily.

He noted that high-level international political figures would be invited to participate in the summit and expressed his hope to visit Kuwait before the end of the year. President Christodoulides underscored Cyprus’s unique role as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East and praised initiatives that contribute to regional stability and cooperation.

The president also highlighted the “distinguished” bilateral relations between Cyprus and Kuwait, applauding Kuwait’s significant role in the Gulf and thanking Ambassador Al-Kharafi for his contributions in strengthening diplomatic ties.

Ambassador Al-Kharafi congratulated Cyprus on its upcoming EU presidency and welcomed the president’s summit proposal, describing it as a gateway to new horizons for joint cooperation between the EU, GCC, and neighboring nations. He also praised the constructive partnership he enjoyed with Cypriot officials in boosting bilateral relations.

As part of his farewell meetings, Ambassador Al-Kharafi also met with Anita Demetriou, President of the Cypriot House of Representatives, who expressed deep appreciation for the ambassador’s efforts in enhancing political and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Demetriou lauded the positive and visible impact of the ambassador’s work, saying the growing momentum in Cyprus-Kuwait relations should continue and expand across political, economic, cultural, and legislative sectors.

She reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to further strengthening partnership with Kuwait, building on the strong foundation laid in recent years.