The UAE and Cyprus confirm in a joint statement their commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Cyprus affirmed the depth of the strategic relations that bring them together, and their shared commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations, in addition to pushing towards achieving regional stability, cooperation and sustainable development.

The meetings between Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kostantinos Kombos, and Deputy Minister of European Affairs, Marilena Ruana, reflected the depth of the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and their common desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian, economic, and multilateral fields.

During the visit, Nusseibeh met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, where the two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest, and conveyed to the President the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him.

The two sides reviewed areas of cooperation in light of Cyprus’ readiness to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, and expressed their readiness to intensify consultations on regional priorities, especially those aimed at promoting coexistence, dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy, in line with their shared vision towards strengthening peace and interdependence between the Mediterranean and Gulf regions.

Cyprus issue
Kompos briefed Minister Nusseibeh on the latest developments related to the Cyprus issue, as she reaffirmed the UAE’s principled position in support of resolving the issue in accordance with the agreed upon framework and relevant Security Council resolutions.

The two sides also renewed their commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and Cyprus, which was approved in February 2022, and includes cooperation in the areas of political consultation and coordination, defense and security, energy, trade and investment, tourism and culture, education, science and technology, and maritime transport. They stressed the importance of this partnership as a framework to advance bilateral relations to new strategic heights and agreed to begin implementing the next phase, giving priority to joint projects in the fields of clean energy, digital transformation, and maritime connectivity, in addition to establishing a coordination mechanism to follow up on the progress achieved.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of communication and exchange at the popular level.

During a visit to the port of Limassol, the two sides praised the Cyprus “Amalthea” sea corridor, which was established through close coordination between the UAE and Cyprus as a vital and complementary humanitarian artery in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The two sides agreed to continue close cooperation with regional and international partners within the framework of the coordination mechanism of Security Council Resolution 2720 to ensure the expansion and sustainability of corridor operations in support of the next phase of Trump’s 20-point “Gaza Peace Plan.”

peace
The two ministers affirmed the two countries’ joint commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and international law.

Sudan
Regarding Sudan, the two ministers expressed their concern about the horrific attacks against civilians in El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces, and the escalation of the conflict in various parts of Sudan.

They called on the Rapid Support Forces to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, stressing that the primary responsibility for ending the conflict lies with both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

They also stressed the importance of immediately reducing the escalation, protecting civilians, and ensuring urgent and unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all parts of Sudan, while emphasizing the need to hold accountable those responsible for committing these crimes. The two ministers renewed their support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Cyprus welcomed the efforts of the Quartet (the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt), and the two sides agreed to continue active engagement in support of the efforts of the Quartet and the European Union aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian access, and supporting a comprehensive and transparent transitional process that paves the way for the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government based on legitimacy and broad accountability.

Ukraine war
The two ministers also discussed the war in Ukraine, and renewed their firm support for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The two sides stressed the importance of humanitarian aid, and praised the effective role of the UAE and Cyprus in promoting dialogue and contributing to relief efforts, as they pointed to the role of the UAE in facilitating humanitarian aid and the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, as well as the continued support that Cyprus provides to Ukraine.

The two ministers also discussed ways of cooperation in supporting recovery efforts in Ukraine.

Renewable energy
The meeting also reviewed opportunities for cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, digital communication, maritime security, and humanitarian response, with an emphasis on mutual support ahead of Cyprus’ presidency of the European Union, and the UAE’s readiness to continue its partnerships with the European Union.

The two sides stressed that the UAE-Cyprus partnership represents a model of constructive regional diplomacy based on international law and common values ​​of stability, development, and humanitarian responsibility.