EU-Med7 ministers sign joint declaration on 'a vision of a stronger, more united Europe'

The EU Ministers of European & Foreign Affairs of the EU-Med7 countries, who convened in Athens on Friday, signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment "to continue to work closely on a vision of a stronger and more united Europe that adheres to its fundamental principles and values."

In the text, the ministers call for continued EU involvement in the Mediterranean, "an area of strategic importance for the Union's prosperity, security and stability," and pledge to continue their collaboration.

"We call on all countries in the region to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all EU member states, as well as International Law, including Law of the Sea," they noted.

The ministers also call on Turkey to accept Cyprus' invitation to start a dialogue on the delimitation of maritime borders.

Finally, they reiterated their strong commitment to a sustainable, comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, as set out in the relevant United Nations Resolutions, "which are binding on all and in line with the EU acquis."

The invitation to the Ministers of European & Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Malta was extended by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs for European issues Miltiadis Varvitsiotis.

• The meeting was held in preparation for the EU-Med7 Summit, scheduled to take place in Athens in September 2021.