The Republic of Cyprus must have a leading role regarding Syria and its future, particularly due to its geographic proximity to the country, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday.

Asked about the working document that Cyprus has submitted to the EU on the Syrian issue and what role Nicosia is seeking to have, he noted that Cyprus is the member state of the European Union that neighbours Syria, “so you understand that the role that we must have and that we claim, is a leading one.”

Cyprus is clearly more affected than any other member state by the developments in Syria, he added.

The working documents conveys the positions and “common approach of the region”, Christodoulides said and includes a proposal on Syria’s territorial integrity, independence and migrations.

He specified he was in “constant contact” with all states from the region. Two days earlier, he had a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

On Sunday afternoon, the President had a call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during which they discussed the working document.

According to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Cyprus’ initiative was welcomed and the two discussed the need to ensure the security and stability of the wider region.

Christodoulides said a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Arab countries took place on Saturday and “we are on the same page, with the same approach, we have common desires, we have common concerns and as a member state of the European Union in the region, we will play a decisive role in the Union’s approach towards Syria.”

Asked whether Cyprus has a specific proposal on what it can do, he underlined that there is one in relation to the territorial integrity of the country, in relation to neighbouring countries that attempt to play a role that questions Syria’s independence, migrants, and strengthening the country.