Nicosia: Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, in Nairobi, to discuss the need to revitalise and strengthen the historic relationship between their nations. The meeting marked an important step in fostering closer ties between Cyprus and Kenya.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos extended an invitation to Mudavadi to visit Cyprus and conveyed a similar invitation from the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to Kenyan President William Ruto. This exchange was part of Kombos’ official visit to Kenya and highlighted the mutual interest in enhancing bilateral relations.
During the discussions, both ministers exchanged views with a focus on trade and economic activity, identifying areas such as shipping, the financial sector, and tourism as having significant potential for cooperation. Kombos emphasized Cyprus’ preparations for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026 and expressed a commitme
nt to using this role to strengthen relations with natural EU partners, including Kenya, and to further develop EU-Africa relations.
Kombos also thanked the Kenyan government for its steadfast support on the Cyprus issue, which dates back to the early years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He underscored the historic ties between Cyprus and Kenya and the importance of revitalising this relationship to benefit both nations.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations, aimed at establishing a more systematic and structured dialogue between the foreign ministries of Cyprus and Kenya. Additionally, the ministers inaugurated the new offices of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Nairobi, marking a step forward in diplomatic relations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the reopening of the High Commission as part of its strategy to expand Cyprus’ diplomatic missions in Africa and strengthe
n its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mudavadi echoed these sentiments in a post on X, emphasizing the embassy’s role in promoting deeper dialogue, expanded cooperation, and people-to-people connections, building on the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding.