Sergio Mattarella this week became the first Italian president to make a state visit to Cyprus. In meetings with his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, and other officials, Mattarella discussed the major issues on the international agenda. The talks also covered the subject of the division of Cyprus, a Member State of the EU, which for years has created tension with Turkey.

'We have the obligation and chance to transform migration'

"Together with the president of Cyprus, we spoke a lot about migration. We have the obligation and the possibility as a Union to take on the task of transforming a disorganized and tumultuous issue, now in the hands of human traffickers, into an orderly and legal one," Mattarella said after talks with Christodoulides.

"It is extremely urgent to define a new migration and asylum pact and to reach agreements with the countries of origin and transit of migration."

The issue of migration flows is felt strongly on the island of Cyprus, which is extremely close to Lebanon and in a strategic location.

Mattarella's visit had the objective of addressing the "delay", as he called it, as he took a walk along the Green Line which separates the capital from the self-proclaimed Cypriot Republic, recognized by Turkey.

"There are signs of wounds which have not yet healed," said Mattarella as he visited the checkpoint that divides the city: Europe's last wall.

'The EU's involvement is needed'

Mattarella also talked up the Italian government's so-called Mattei Plan, explaining that, to make it become a reality, it was necessary to "cooperate with countries of the African continent in a way that involves the entire European Union."

The conflict in Gaza and Russian strategic policy were also discussed during the visit. "Italy and Cyprus have strong ties based on shared values such as peace and the respect of international law," the Italian president said.

"Two years after the unacceptable Russian aggression, it is important to reiterate full support (to Kyiv) and the respect of its territorial integrity. The European Union is right to continue to support Ukraine."