President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday began a two-day working visit to Serbia and Montenegro, marking the start of a series of international diplomatic engagements ahead of Cyprus’ assumption of the EU council presidency in the first half of 2026.

Christodoulides is scheduled to arrive in Belgrade on Thursday afternoon. On April 25, he will meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the palace of Serbia for a private discussion, followed by expanded talks between Cypriot and Serbian delegations. A working lunch with both leaders and their teams will conclude the Belgrade leg of the trip.

Later on Friday, Christodoulides will travel to Podgorica, Montenegro, for a meeting with President Jakov Milatovic. Similar to the Serbia schedule, the talks will include one-on-one discussions and broader delegation-level dialogues.

The visits aim to strengthen bilateral ties and align priorities ahead of Cyprus’ EU council presidency. Key topics will include the EU’s strategic agenda, regional stability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and the Cyprus issue. Bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and security is also expected to be discussed.

Christodoulides is accompanied by deputy minister for European affairs Marilena Raouna, diplomatic office director Doros Venezis, deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou and other officials.

Following his engagements in Montenegro, the president will depart for Vatican City on Friday evening to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Christodoulides and his delegation are expected to return to Cyprus by afternoon the same day.