Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides will hold talks with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz on European security issues and bilateral affairs today. Photo: ABC News

Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides meets with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss European security issues and bilateral affairs today.

It is anticipated that the Cyprus problem, territorial claims in the Eastern Mediterranean, irregular migration, political and economic consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine and energy and climate cooperation will be at the heart of the discussions.

The visit will be the first as President by the former Cypriot Foreign Minister. Christodoulides narrowly defeated his rival, Andreas Mavroyiannis, in the February 2023 presidential election. The ex-diplomat wants Europe to play a more active role in bringing the island out of its historical divisions: since 1974 Cyprus has been divided between Greek and Turkish sides.

Expect convergence between the two leaders in favour of a solution for a federal bi-zonal and bi-communal Cypriot state supported by UN resolutions. Anticipate common will to promote good neighbourly relations in the eastern Mediterranean and to strengthen energy cooperation off the southern coast of the island. But with Turkey unlikely to join the EastMed pipeline project and reluctant to lose influence in Northern Cyprus, military tensions are likely to increase in the short to medium term.