European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in Paphos today for a preview of the city’s tourist areas ahead of Friday’s MED9 Heads of State Summit at the luxurious Minthis resort in Tsada.
Von der Leyen will tour Paphos harbour and coastal front, accompanied by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
On Friday morning, before the summit begins, the pair will inaugurate a modern dialysis unit at Paphos Hospital, funded by the European Union.
The high-level summit has prompted heightened security measures across Paphos. Police have announced road closures from Paphos Airport to Minthis Resort.
Minthis Avenue will be completely closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., affecting residents of nearby communities.
The MED9 group includes Cyprus (this year’s chair), Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia.
All countries will be represented by heads of state or government, except Portugal, which will send its Foreign Minister. Jordan’s King Abdullah II will also attend as a special guest.
Leaders are expected to arrive at Paphos Airport before noon on Friday. The programme includes bilateral meetings, a working lunch, and two joint sessions on EU-Jordan relations and Mediterranean priorities for the new institutional cycle.
A joint press conference is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by a dinner for leaders, spouses, and their staff.
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