President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades departs on Friday (31/1) for Portugal, to participate in the deliberations of the "Friends of Cohesion" Summit, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Portugal Antόnio Costa. The "Friends of Cohesion" Group comprises 15 EU member states.

According to an announcement by the Presidency of the Republic, the main issue at the Summit is the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027.

The Summit will take place on February 1, at the city of Beja, in the presence of heads of state or government, Ministers, as well as EU Commissioners responsible for the Budget, Cohesion, and Reforms.

The Prime Minister of Portugal convened the Summit as a follow up to the Summit that took place on November 5, 2019, in the Czech Republic.

>>> News in English <<<

Its objective is the coordination of participants ahead of a decision on the MFF at the European Council, on 20 February, in Brussels.

The Summit aims to send a message of unity among the "Friends of Cohesion" through a Joint Declaration in order to help facilitate the conclusion of an agreement on the MFF on February 20, the announcement notes.

The President of the Republic will be accompanied in Portugal by the Deputy Government Spokesman Panagiotis Sentonas.
 
CNA