President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday expressed his satisfaction over the inclusion of the Cyprus problem in the conclusions of the European Council, following the government’s initiative.

Despite the fact that the talks are not included in the agenda of the upcoming European Council, Christodoulides described the development as proof that “initiatives to break the deadlock have slowly started to materialise in specific documents and texts.”

Christodoulides was speaking to reporters after an online conference call with European Council President Charles Michel.

The call, taking place ahead of the EU Council meeting on Thursday and Friday included the presidents of Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Poland, as well as the Chancellor of Austria.

Christodoulides said he was expecting a number of phone calls and meetings with EU leaders over the next few days, as well as contacts with the UN.

“There was a meeting on the Cyprus problem and at the Summit organised by the French President, in Paris, in the presence of the UN Secretary General. There will also be some telephone communications today, I hope we can create the conditions that will break the deadlock and restart the talks.”

Christodoulides referred to “the pressures Cyprus is under from the migration flows”, stressing the importance of finding a balance between solidarity and responsibility, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said.

On the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides highlighted the importance of greater EU involvement to break the deadlock and to “utilise the window of opportunity becoming transparent after Turkey’s elections.”

Also discussed during the call were the situation in Ukraine, migration, the economy and the EU’s external relations.

Christodoulides welcomed the 11th sanctions package imposed by the EU over the war on Ukraine, adding that the foreign minister is planning a visit to Kiev.