Cyprus Mail 4 July 2025 - by Rebekah Gregoriades
Cyprus and the UK affirmed their strategic ties on Friday, amid geopolitical challenges in the eastern Mediterranean, an area President Nikos Christodoulides and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy identified as important for the two countries to work closely together on.
Speaking after receiving Lammy at the presidential palace, Christodoulides said the visit was “very important and timely”.
“Having in mind the developments in our region, the upcoming conference for Cyprus in New York, we rely on your role also as a penholder, as a guarantor power in order to have a substantial and results-oriented discussion towards the resumption of the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, based always on the UN Security Council resolutions,” Christodoulides said.
Lammy said he was happy to be in Cyprus “at a time when we have the strongest of bilateral and strategic relationships and to continue to build on that.”
“Obviously, to be here at a time of very big geopolitical challenge, regional instability and obviously we very much value the close working with the Cypriot government. I know the prime minister values working with you in these challenging times,” he added.
He added that “as a guarantor power we stand behind the UN Secretary General in the process and hope that we can get to a settlement and we will do all we can to continue to work with you and to achieve it.”
The expanded conference on the Cyprus problem will be held in New York on July 16 and 17, under UN auspices
Christodoulides also pointed out the importance of Lammy’s visit in view of Cyprus’ rotating EU presidency, despite Brexit.
“We were not very happy with the outcome of the referendum, but we fully respect the will of the British people – we are very glad that we see this new interest, if I may say, and during our presidency, and not only, we will do our utmost in order to come closer together,” he said.
Christodoulides added that “we need to work together, the challenges are common, so, we need to enhance our cooperation at the level of the European Union and the UK, and tackle the challenges ahead of us.”
Lammy said the UK looked forward to the Cypriot presidency.
“In so many ways, it’s serendipity that the closest of friends can work together. And of course, we have reset our relationship with the EU and we welcome that, but as we move into this new era, it is wonderful that it is under your presidency where we’ll be able to work together and advance issues of mutual interest, particularly at a time of war in the continent here, in Europe,” Lammy said.
Lammy also met Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, with whom he held wide-ranging talks, reaffirming the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
The two discussed bilateral ties, the Cyprus issue, preparations for Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the EU Council, and the evolving crisis in the Middle East – where Cyprus is playing an increasingly active humanitarian role.
Following their meeting, Kombos said the two sides reiterated their shared vision to further strengthen cooperation, particularly under the framework of the UK-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue.
On regional developments, Kombos emphasised Cyprus’ growing role as a reliable humanitarian and diplomatic actor. “As the closest EU member state to the Middle East, Cyprus remains committed to strengthening regional stability through robust diplomatic engagement and active humanitarian efforts,” he said.
He underlined Cyprus’ role as a credible hub for evacuations and aid coordination, noting that over 3,000 people – including British nationals – had been evacuated via the island in recent weeks under the Estia plan.
Kombos also briefed Lammy on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, ahead of the upcoming informal 5+1 meeting in New York.
He further outlined Cyprus’ preparations and priorities for its EU Council presidency, which begins in January 2026, and exchanged views with Lammy on UK-EU relations moving forward.
Earlier, Lammy had affirmed the United Kingdom’s firm commitment to a UN-led settlement of the Cyprus problem, stressing Britain’s continued role as a guarantor power.
“We are actively engaging all parties to encourage the flexibility needed to return to talks,” he told the Cyprus News Agency. “We will be present at the next informal 5+1 meeting in New York.”
He described UK-Cyprus relations as “stronger than ever,” citing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s three meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides in the past nine months, including a landmark visit to Nicosia last December — the first by a British prime minister in more than 50 years.
“Our shared history, close people-to-people links and common values, including our Commonwealth membership, are the strong foundations of our partnership,” Lammy said.
He confirmed that the two countries are working toward a general security agreement to enhance information sharing and establish a new security partnership. “The review of our UK-Cyprus Memorandum of Understanding last year identified areas for deeper cooperation, including in defence and security,” he noted.
Looking ahead to Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, Lammy said it would be a key opportunity to deepen ties between the UK and EU, and expressed hope that Cyprus could play a facilitating role in that direction.
Addressing the recent flare-up between Iran and Israel, Lammy made clear that “the UK – including the Sovereign Base Areas – did not participate in military operations during the recent escalation.” He stressed that the bases remain a vital contributor to regional stability and security and that the UK continues to work closely with Cyprus on shared concerns, including civil defence.
Regarding the recent arrest of a British man accused of spying for Iran at RAF Akrotiri, Lammy said, “We remain in contact with the Cypriot authorities regarding the arrest.”
On the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Lammy reiterated the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, increased humanitarian aid, and progress toward a two-state solution. “That is the only way to secure peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis,” he said.
Turning to education, Lammy acknowledged concerns over rising UK university fees for EU students post-Brexit but noted that over 4,000 Cypriots are currently studying in the UK. “We are proud of our close educational links,” he said.
He confirmed ongoing talks about the UK’s potential association with the Erasmus+ programme and said Britain is also working with the European Commission on a youth mobility scheme to benefit young people across Europe and the UK.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held at the end of July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17 and 18. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana, ended inconclusively.
