President Nikos Christodoulides informed the national council on Monday of his recent engagements in Brussels, addressing the Cyprus problem, regional tensions in the Middle East, and the economic implications for the island.

His Brussels trip included meetings with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, European commission president Ursula von der Leyen and participation in the European council session on Middle East developments.

Christodoulides outlined the inclusion of Cyprus in the conclusions of the European Council and referenced his extensive telephone conversation with UK prime minister Keir Starmer on Saturday regarding the status of the British bases.

“All views were heard. This discussion will not be opened publicly, it will be done with transparency and honesty,” he assured.

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said political representatives had the opportunity to submit proposals on ongoing domestic matters, including the management of foot-and-mouth disease, with additional recommendations expected in the coming days.

Letymbiotis confirmed that the government is coordinating with the European Commission to ensure compliance with EU protocols in both the government-controlled areas and the north.

In response to questions on preventing the resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease in the north, Letymbiotis stressed that EU protocols would be followed and monitored closely.

“When there are demands or benefits from the European Union, and this certainly refers to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and the primary sector, there should also be compliance with the necessary protocols,” he said.

“It is something that the competent commissioner himself was asked when he was in our country a few days ago and he has made the same points that you are saying now,” he said, highlighting that actions will be examined to ensure consistency across all areas and benefits extend to Turkish Cypriots.

“The political leadership was informed about the economic impacts of regional developments, particularly the rise in fuel prices and the consequences for the tourism sector,” Letymbiotis added.

Christodoulides detailed measures being considered by the finance ministry to mitigate the effects of energy price increases.

He stressed that Cyprus is exploring options within its budgetary capacity to shield households and businesses from economic shocks.

The president also emphasised the personal commitment of the UN secretary-general to advance substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem, particularly in the limited time remaining in his term.

“We aim to make progress in efforts to resume substantive negotiations for a solution,” Letymbiotis affirmed.

Christodoulides assured that dialogue with the United Kingdom regarding the bases would proceed in a confidential framework.