Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held a “timely meeting” with UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty in Nicosia on Thursday, noting in a social media post that “diplomacy and meaningful dialogue is the only sustainable path to stability”.
Kombos added that closer, continuous and effective Cyprus-UK coordination is “essential in an increasingly complex and changing geopolitical environment”.
The UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories arrived at Paphos Airport on Wednesday, visiting Akrotiri airbase before heading to Nicosia on Thursday to meet with Cypriot officials.
Speaking after the meeting with Kombos, Doughty said they held "important discussions about the UK-Cyprus relationship, the importance of security, of us working together in close partnership given the wider regional situation, but also discussing cooperation in many other topics".
The two countries "have a strong dialogue in trade, in commerce, in our people to people ties, and of course in security and stability. We discussed a range of foreign policy issues today," he added.
Doughty said they discussed Cyprus' "important Presidency of the EU and the increased and very positive cooperation between the UK and the EU as a result of the Summit we had last year and the progress we are making on many areas of common endeavour".
He reiterated the "strong partnership" and strong friendship of the UK with the Republic of Cyprus based on deep history.
"It was great to come into Paphos with many British tourists" he said, adding that they are going to "enjoy the football here as well".
Timely meeting with UK Minister @SDoughtyMP who is visiting Nicosia.
— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) March 19, 2026
🇨🇾-🇬🇧 Closer, continuous and effective coordination is essential in an increasingly complex and changing geopolitical environment.
Diplomacy and meaningful dialogue is the only sustainable path to stability.… pic.twitter.com/smocG4rt25
Visit sends important message
Speaking on Doughty's arrival at the House of Representatives, House President Annita Demetriou said Doughty’s presence in Nicosia sent an important message that Cyprus is not in a war zone, while highlighting “a shared approach in addressing current challenges”.
She stressed the need to ensure that tourist flows from the United Kingdom are not disrupted, noting that discussions would also cover security, defence and related matters.
Doughty referred to the “strong” connections between Cyprus and the UK, as well as with his own part of the country, Cardiff, noting the presence of “strong Cypriot communities” there.
The two countries share many common goals and are working closely together on a range of issues, he said, adding that his flight to Paphos was full of tourists “and they were all coming to enjoy Cyprus as they always do, and that was very positive to see”.
Cyprus remains a safe destination
After the meeting, Demetriou said she raised the issue of the UK travel advisory for Cyprus, noting that Doughty assured her the country remains in the “green category”, meaning it is considered a safe destination. She stressed the importance of communicating this clearly to avoid any negative perceptions that could affect the tourism season.
The House President added that tourism was only one aspect, as broader efforts are required to manage and contain the regional crisis, the duration of which remains uncertain. She emphasised that coordination between Cyprus, the UK, their allies and the European Union is essential.
Doughty “very helpful” in Geneva
On the Cyprus issue, Demetriou noted that Doughty had been in Geneva for the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format in March last year and was “very helpful”, something also acknowledged by the President of the Republic, she said.
“He has conveyed that he intends to maintain a constructive role, and naturally the priority is the resumption of negotiations within the agreed framework,” she said.
Source: CNA