Relations between the Middle East, the Gulf states, and the European Union will be a top priority for Cyprus during its EU presidency in 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday.

Speaking during a meeting with American economist and public policy analyst Professor Jeffrey David Sachs of Columbia University, Christodoulides also addressed the issue of climate change, noting that Cyprus is already experiencing its effects.

He recalled that climate change was a key topic during the MED9 summit hosted in Cyprus last year, which included the participation of the King of Jordan.

The president also highlighted Cyprus’ recent assistance in helping extinguish wildfires in Israel.

Sachs praised Cyprus for its historical importance, describing the island as “an admirable place” and Christodoulides as “an admirable president.”