in-cyprus 3 October 2025
The United Kingdom views Cyprus as a significant regional partner due to its strong relationships across the Eastern Mediterranean, British High Commissioner Michael Tatham said on Friday.
Speaking at the Cyprus Forum 2025, Tatham said the UK warmly welcomes Cyprus’s good relations in the region, with Israel and its Arab neighbours, describing the country as “a very important partner for our diplomacy”.
He noted the Eastern Mediterranean represents a significant strategic area politically, economically and for energy and transport routes, but has been characterised by instability in recent years.
“So when we talk about the change we would like to see, as the United Kingdom, it is a shift from instability to stability, a shift that allows us to do more to explore opportunities in the region instead of constantly addressing problems and challenges,” Tatham said.
The high commissioner said this means two priorities in practice. Gaza is one priority, he said, noting that for the UK it is very clear the immediate steps required are a ceasefire, the immediate release of hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“We welcome the recent US plan, which we hope can offer a pathway towards these goals. In the long term, we believe lasting stability requires a political path towards a two-state solution,” he added, expressing hope the plan will receive support from all parties.
Syria is the other priority, Tatham said. “I think we now have the opportunity to embed stability in Syria. Therefore, we warmly support this goal and an inclusive political transition in Syria,” he said.