President Nikos Christodoulides has concluded a visit to the United Arab Emirates, holding talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan against the backdrop of heightened regional instability.
According to a written statement by government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the talks focused on regional developments, de‑escalation efforts and maritime security, with Cyprus reiterating its support for international initiatives aimed at safeguarding navigation.
Solidarity against ‘unjustified attacks’
The visit followed a series of high‑level contacts between the two countries since the outbreak of the current crisis. The UAE foreign minister visited Cyprus on 9 March, while Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos travelled to Abu Dhabi on 12 March, underlining what the government described as close coordination between Nicosia and Abu Dhabi.
Letymbiotis said the visit also served as a signal of Cyprus’ support for the UAE following recent “unjustified attacks” against it, and reaffirmed backing for the country’s security and sovereignty.
The government noted that Cyprus-UAE relations have expanded significantly in recent years, citing cooperation on the humanitarian corridor Amaltheia, UAE assistance with mobile desalination units, and the signing of a strategic agreement between the two countries.
The talks also covered future bilateral cooperation, with particular reference to a joint action plan for 2026–2030, which is expected to include trade, investment, energy, defence, shipping, infrastructure, tourism, culture and education. Energy cooperation and the exchange of expertise on security and defence were highlighted as key areas.
IMEC connectivity
Connectivity initiatives linking India, the Middle East and Europe under the IMEC framework were also discussed, with both sides pointing to Cyprus’ and the UAE’s potential role in trade, energy, digital infrastructure and supply chain routes linking the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf and Asia.
The visit was further framed by Cyprus’ current presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the government reiterating its aim to strengthen EU engagement with countries in the wider region.
The spokesperson said the talks confirmed a further deepening of Cyprus-UAE ties, which have acquired “genuine strategic depth” in recent years, with an emphasis on practical cooperation and regional coordination rather than declarations alone.
