KNews 23 February 2026 - by Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Silver anniversary highlights energy deals, diplomacy and growing cooperation between Qatar and Cyprus.
A diplomatic relationship that began with a single signature in New York has quietly grown into a strategic partnership spanning energy, investment and regional cooperation.
Saturday marked 25 years since Cyprus and Qatar formally established diplomatic relations on Feb. 21, 2001, a milestone officials describe as proof that steady diplomacy can turn distant partners into close collaborators.
Over the past quarter century, ties between the Mediterranean island and the Gulf state have expanded well beyond ceremonial visits. Government statements and official records over the years show the relationship has steadily deepened through economic agreements, political coordination and joint business ventures.
One of the biggest turning points came in the energy sector. Qatar’s state energy giant QatarEnergy joined U.S. firm ExxonMobil in offshore exploration south of Cyprus, part of wider efforts to tap Eastern Mediterranean natural gas reserves. That cooperation signalled that relations were shifting from diplomatic formalities to strategic interests.
Analysts say the partnership makes sense geographically and politically: both countries sit at crossroads of major regions, rely heavily on international trade, and favour stable regional ties to support economic growth.
Officials from both sides have repeatedly emphasized mutual respect and shared priorities, including investment, tourism, education, and maritime cooperation. While neither country dominates headlines in each other’s regions, their steady collaboration has often been described by diplomats as “low-profile but high-impact.”
The anniversary arrives at a time when small and mid-sized states are increasingly leaning on partnerships like these to strengthen their global footing. And if the first 25 years are any indication, Cyprus–Qatar relations have been less about grand gestures and more about quietly building something that lasts.
