Nicosia: "Turkey is not excluded by the Republic of Cyprus," stated Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in a recent interview with "Phileleftheros" newspaper, emphasizing that Turkey must decide "whether to insist on its self-exclusion."
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos highlighted the strengthening of Cyprus' international presence and its expanding cooperation with the Middle East, aligning with the priorities of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union over the next six months. He underscored the ongoing efforts to broaden Cyprus' diplomatic footprint with consistency, coherence, and continuity as pivotal to the country's foreign policy in 2025.
Kombos explained Cyprus' strategic role as a stabilizing bridge between Europe and the Middle East, mentioning concluded action plans for long-term dialogue with nations such as India, the United Kingdom, France, the USA, the UAE, Kenya, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Greece. He also noted initiatives to forge ties with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and all Gulf countries.
Addressing Cyprus' focus on Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, Kombos stated this approach leverages the country's comparative advantages. He highlighted Cyprus' successes, including humanitarian aid to Gaza, an international humanitarian alliance, the evacuation of third-country nationals, and agreements with Lebanon and the UAE. These efforts have cemented relations with Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Central Asian countries, and expanded Cyprus' influence in Africa.
Kombos affirmed that Cyprus' European partners are increasingly responsive to messages from the Eastern Mediterranean, bolstered by Cyprus' enhanced ability to represent the region's positions and concerns. This role as a conduit between the EU and the Middle East will continue during Cyprus' EU Presidency, with plans for Middle Eastern leaders to attend the Informal European Council in April.
On the potential invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Limassol, Kombos referred to President Nikos Christodoulides' intent to invite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to an informal European Council meeting. He reiterated that while Turkey is not excluded, it must choose whether to end its self-exclusion, adhering to obligations towards Cyprus.
Discussing Cyprus' foreign policy in Europe, Africa, and Asia, Kombos illustrated the Republic's strengthened diplomatic presence, countering Turkey's stance and supporting a return to meaningful dialogue based on UN Security Council Resolutions.
Kombos addressed the Amalthea humanitarian corridor controversy, affirming ongoing humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza, facilitated through the port of Ashdod with UN cooperation. A recent shipment of 1,000 tons of aid has been distributed to Gaza's civilian population.
On Cyprus-US relations, Kombos noted improvements and frequent dialogues with his American counterpart. Despite the slow progress of the Visa Waiver Program, he remains optimistic, citing completed technical preparations and awaiting US procedural completion.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of 37% of its territory. Turkey, an EU membership candidate, does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member since 2004.