Filip Polo reporting from Dublin
President Nikos Christodoulides is expected to discuss the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 9th European Political Community Summit in Dublin.
According to reports, Carney is expected to ask Christodoulides to help advance parliamentary approval of the EU-Canada trade agreement, as Cyprus remains among the EU member states that have not yet completed the ratification process.
CETA ratification on agenda
CETA is a free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada that has been provisionally applied since 21 September 2017.
The agreement eliminates most tariffs, improves market access for businesses and strengthens trade and investment ties between the EU and Canada. However, full implementation requires ratification by all EU member states in line with their national procedures.
European Political Community summit
Christodoulides is attending the summit in Dublin under the theme "Europe: Strong, Secure and Connected."
The gathering brings together European leaders to discuss security, competitiveness and cooperation at a time of significant geopolitical challenges.
Irish PM questions Russia's intentions
Developments in the war in Ukraine are also high on the agenda.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said it remains unclear whether Russia's position has changed and questioned Moscow's willingness to reach a settlement.
Martin said Russia has not so far demonstrated, in the view of the Irish Government, a genuine interest in ending the conflict.
Ukraine discussions
The Irish Prime Minister described a Ukraine-focused meeting, co-chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as particularly important.
He said European leaders would be briefed by Zelenskyy on recent discussions held in the United Arab Emirates and on preparations for future diplomatic contacts.
"We sincerely hope there is now realism. Up to now, our view has been that Russia has not shown a genuine interest in resolving this conflict. It remains to be seen whether that has changed," Martin said.
