Cypriot MP calls for strengthening of EU – Russia dialogue

Chairman of the External Relations Committee of the Cyprus House of Representatives Averof Neofytou pointed out the need for the strengthening of the EU – Russia dialogue.
Neofytou was speaking during a Meeting of the Chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committees of EU member states, the European Parliament and candidate states for membership to the EU, which started today in Paris.
A press release issued here today by the Cypriot House notes that French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner, whose country holds the EU rotating Presidency, agreed with Neofytou's position. Kouchner discussed with the Parliamentary Committee Chairmen on international issues.
Neofytou said that there should be a strengthened dialogue between the EU and Russia because the Russian Federation, a UN Security Council member state, constitutes a large neighbour country to the EU as well as the Union's primary energy supplier.
He also noted the dialogue could secure Russia's consent on European policies on issues that concern Russia itself, such as Kosovo, Georgia and the western Balkans, something that could render these policies more credible.