Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the importance of the United Kingdom’s continued support in efforts to reunify Cyprus and end the military occupation by Turkey during an address at the UK High Commissioner’s reception in Nicosia. The event, held in celebration of King Charles III’s birthday, highlighted the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the UK, which President Christodoulides described as mutually beneficial and strengthening over time.
According to Cyprus News Agency, British High Commissioner Michael Tatham expressed the UK’s commitment to supporting UN-led diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Cyprus issue. He mentioned the upcoming 1+5 meeting in New York as an opportunity for the UK to contribute to the settlement process actively.
In his speech, President Christodoulides noted that the day of celebration was an opportunity to honor the evolving relationship between Cyprus and the UK, characterized by shared history, bilateral cooperation, and strong people-to-people connections. He emphasized the role of Cypriots living in the UK and British citizens residing in Cyprus in strengthening this bond.
The President remarked on the historic visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Cyprus last December, the first by a British Prime Minister in over fifty years, and highlighted the frequency of high-level meetings between the two countries’ leaders. He affirmed the tangible results of the political commitment to fostering a strategic partnership.
According to President Christodoulides, the renewed momentum in Cyprus-UK relations aligns with the growing relationship between the European Union and the UK. The recent EU-UK Summit established a new strategic partnership, and Cyprus is set to further advance these relations when it assumes the EU Council Presidency in January 2026.
President Christodoulides underscored the importance of shared values, such as respect for international law and human rights, in guiding Cyprus-UK relations. He reiterated Cyprus’s appreciation for the UK’s support in resuming negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.
The President expressed his commitment to achieving peace and reunification in Cyprus, free of foreign troops and occupations. He welcomed the appointments of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the EU Special Envoy as steps towards resuming talks.
British High Commissioner Tatham highlighted the unprecedented frequency of high-level contact between London and Nicosia and the depth of people-to-people connections. He emphasized the UK’s role as a guarantor power and its commitment to a fair and enduring settlement.
The Cyprus issue remains unresolved since the Turkish invasion in 1974, with UN-led peace talks failing to yield results. Recent appointments by the UN and European Commission aim to reinvigorate the settlement process.