In sending a joint letter to the President of the Republic, on the occasion of the assumption of the European Presidency of Cyprus in the 1st semester of 2026, the President of the Provincial Organization of Famagusta, Yiannis Karousos, and the Mayors of Paralimni - Deryneia and Ayia Napa, Giorgos Nikolettos and Christos Zannettou.
In their letter, the representatives of the local government of Famagusta call on Nikos Christodoulidis to include the province in the planning for hosting European conferences, councils and other events during the Cyprus Presidency
Messrs. Karousos, Nikolettos and Zannetou emphasize the importance of such an initiative, which creates opportunities to promote Famagusta, given the infrastructure that the province has in hotels and conference venues, but also the unique locations that the region offers, such as the Monastery of Agia Napa, Cape Greco, Prophet Elias, Agia Thekla, Marinas of Agia Napa and Paralimni, Liopetriou River, Deryneia Cultural Center.
At the same time, they point out that the organization of conferences, councils and initiatives in Famagusta will contribute to the promotion of the national issue of occupied Famagusta and will strengthen efforts to sign declarations on tourism and connectivity issues.
The president of the Provincial Self-Governing Organization of Famagusta and the Mayors of the province expressed their readiness to work with the President of the Republic and the Deputy Minister to the President for EU issues, in order to further discuss the perspective and contribute to ensuring the success of the Cyprus Presidency .
THE SAME LETTER
Your Excellency Mr. President,
Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU January-June 2026 – Inclusion of Famagusta District in the Organization of conferences and other events.
Cyprus taking over the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026 is a very important milestone in the history of our country, since Cyprus will be at the center of interest at the European and international level.
During the period of the Cypriot presidency, prominent politicians and technocrats from all over Europe will visit Cyprus to participate in conferences and other events.
Our opinion is that this opportunity should be used to promote the whole of Cyprus since all our provinces have suitable infrastructures to host conferences, councils and other high level events.
The province of Famagusta has hotels and conference venues well equipped for hosting delegates and visitors. As is customary in such events, on the sidelines of the work, the delegates and visitors could enjoy in Famagusta District unique points of reference, among others the Monastery of Agia Napa, Cape Greco, Prophet Ilias, Agia Thekla, the Marinas of Agia Napa and Paralimni , the Liopetriou River, the Deryneia Cultural Center and the Beaches.
In addition to the above, we consider more important that the organization of conferences and activities in Famagusta, during the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council, will be a unique opportunity to promote our national issue and especially the occupied Famagusta.
The benefits will be manifold for the Province, particularly if the conferences and events are held in the low traffic months, thus offering the opportunity to highlight the very important issue of our country's air and sea connectivity. We believe that during our Presidency the signing/adoption of Declarations on tourism and connectivity issues should be promoted.
Please, as during the planning of the conferences, Councils and other events, include the Famagusta District as well.
We are at the disposal of both you and the Deputy Minister for EU Affairs for further discussion of the matter.
Sincerely Yours
Yiannis Karousos, President of the Famagusta Provincial Organization of Self-Government
Giorgos Nikolettos, Mayor of Paralimni-Deryneia
Christos Zannetou, Mayor of Ayia Napa
