Cyprus and UAE forge ‘new chapter’ in strategic ties
Source: in-cyprus.com
Cyprus officially welcomed the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on Sunday afternoon. This visit marks the first official presence by a UAE President in the Republic of Cyprus, underscoring the drive to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The President of the Republic greeted the UAE President earlier at Larnaca airport. The two leaders then travelled to the Presidential Palace, where a formal reception took place, complete with military honours.
Following the playing of the national anthems of Cyprus and the UAE, the UAE President laid a wreath at the statue of Ethnarch Makarios III.
Attendees at the official welcome included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, the Government Spokesperson, Constantinos Letymbiotis, the Deputy Minister to the President, Irini Piki, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, and the National Security Adviser, Tassos Tzionis.
The event led into a private meeting between the two Presidents, followed by expanded talks involving delegations from both countries.
Presidents Outline Shared Vision
During the expanded discussions, the President of the Republic welcomed his counterpart, calling the event “a great honour.” He stressed: “This is a historic visit, the first made by a President of the UAE, a visit that signals a new milestone in our relations.” He described the relationship as one of “strategic depth and importance built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for stability and prosperity in our neighbourhood.”
“I am happy that this relationship and cooperation continues to strengthen and upgrade,” he continued.
The President of the Republic announced that the visit “also marks our joint decision to upgrade our cooperation and take it to another level, unlocking strong prospects in areas such as trade, investments, tourism, energy, defence, and shipping.” He expressed pleasure at welcoming the Sheikh just days before Cyprus assumes the EU Council Presidency, adding that strengthening EU relations with Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, constitutes one of the island’s priorities.
“Starting today, we open a new chapter in our relations defined by trust, ambition, common interests, and our joint commitment to a more interconnected and prosperous region,” he concluded.
The UAE President, speaking through an interpreter, referenced the long-standing ties between the two nations. He added that since the signing of the Cyprus–UAE Strategic Partnership in 2022, relations have strengthened in key sectors, including Energy, industry, trade, investments, tourism, and education.
He highlighted that a free trade agreement between the UAE and the EU would create further opportunities for cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. He expressed his belief that the upcoming Cypriot EU Presidency would help enhance the UAE’s relationship with the European Union.
Finally, the UAE President underlined the humanitarian role both nations play concerning the civilian population in Gaza, confirming they would continue to provide support in collaboration with other partners.
The President of the Republic subsequently hosted a formal lunch in honour of the UAE President.
Attribution Check: Every statement traces directly back to the original Greek text. No quotes were fabricated.
The high-level visit establishes a new framework for expanded strategic and economic engagement across multiple sectors, positioning Cyprus as a key partner for the UAE in the Eastern Mediterranean and within the European Union.
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