by Mrs. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
Cyprus, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, has played a pivotal role since ancient times in the Eastern Mediterranean as a commercial and cultural hub. Its strategic location has always been a major factor in the shaping of its history. In our era of globalization and interdependence, it is the strategic objective of the European Union (EU) to have secure and stable countries on its outer borders. Since its membership to the EU, Cyprus has been transformed into the Union’s external frontier in the Eastern Mediterranean and its potential to act as a political, financial and cultural bridge between the EU and the Middle East has been further enhanced.
The comparative advantage of Cyprus derives from the fact that it enjoys excellent bilateral relations with all its neighbors, both the Arab countries and Israel, even though it is geographically located in close proximity to the regional conflicts. The sustainable balance in our regional foreign policy is based on the simple reality that Cyprus does not have a hidden foreign policy agenda. Our objective is clear; peace and security in the Middle East. Having this in mind, Cyprus has the capacity to be helpful in a possible rapprochement between the EU and some regional players, particularly through cooperation on issues of common concern such as measures against human, as well as, drug trafficking, money-laundering etc. Successful non-political joint projects could reflect positively on the political track. It is my strong conviction that we cannot attain, nor sustain, peace in the Middle East if influential countries are marginalized. Marginalization leads to radicalization, both of the countries themselves and segments of the societies of the Middle East.
On the Palestinian and Lebanese tracks, I consider the EU’s support to the political processes should be accompanied by a strong commitment to institution and capacity - building. Due to our close proximity to both Lebanon and the Palestinian Territories, as well as our infrastructure, it is more than evident that Cyprus can be utilized by EU member – states, as well as governmental and non governmental international organizations, for such activities. Cyprus is willing to assist in every way possible such projects that aim at the modernization of the civil service of Lebanon and of the Palestinian Territories. Particularly on the Palestinian track, a well-trained, transparent and efficient civil service can have a substantial positive impact on the peace process.
The crisis in Lebanon in the summer 2006 highlighted Cyprus' strategic role in this turbulent region. Cyprus offered logistical support, as well as its infrastructure and services for the evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon. It is estimated that more than 60,000 people were evacuated through Cyprus to their countries of origin. Following the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1701, the strategic role of Cyprus was highlighted through the expansion of the UNIFIL mandate to include a naval component. European countries participating in the naval component of UNIFIL have been using the port of Limassol as a base of their fleet. It is the first time that a UN peace-keeping force has a naval component and Cyprus has managed to ensure that this operation is running smoothly, setting thus a precedent in peace-keeping operations. Very importantly, this is indicative of Cyprus’ potential to be a strategic corridor for the speedy and secure deployment of UN or EU peacekeeping forces, through an EU member-state, in the Middle East.
The external borders of the EU should be areas of cooperation and trust, creating an environment of partnership with neighbouring countries. Good bilateral relations of EU member-states with countries of the Middle East can have a positive impact on the image of the Union in these countries. Its not only an issue of public diplomacy, but also a substantive issue which builds trust between neighbours. I would like to underline that the cooperation of Cyprus and Egypt on the exploration and possible exploitation of hydrocarbons on the median line of our exclusive economic zones, which includes exchange of technical expertise, logistical assistance etc, is a model of such cooperation for the benefit of both countries. The Cyprus – Egypt model of cooperation and friendship highlights the broader prospects of EU – Middle East relations.
Cyprus is also an EU financial corridor to and from the Middle East. Based on Cyprus’ sound legal and supervisory framework, the stability of the business sector and the existence of highly specialized services, coupled with our geographical proximity to the Middle East, make Cyprus an excellent base for “doing business”, Moreover, through favourable bilateral agreements on the avoidance of Double Taxation between Cyprus and countries of the Middle East, as well as East European countries and Russia, Cyprus is in a unique position to serve effectively as a regional banking and business centre.
The promotion of the multifaceted role, as well as prospects, of Cyprus as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East form a fundamental dimension of our foreign policy. Cyprus has the unique capacity to contribute positively to the enhancement of cooperation between the EU and its Middle Eastern neighbours, as well as to support and facilitate the quest for peace, stability and prosperity in our region.