Nicosia: Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their strategic partnership and expressed strong support for the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem, during the official visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in a joint statement, the two sides reiterated their commitment to a solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in line with the agreed UN framework and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The UAE underlined the importance of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, particularly with regard to the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. The two Presidents reiterated previous EU-GCC joint statements calling on Iran to end its occupation of the islands and expressed support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute through bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of the Amalthea Cyprus Maritime Corridor, established through close Cyprus-UAE cooperation, describing it as a crucial and complementary humanitarian lifeline for the Palestinian population in Gaza. They agreed to continue close coordination with international and regional partners, in line with the UN-coordinated mechanism under Security Council Resolution 2720, to sustain and expand the corridor's operations.
The Presidents welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and stressed the need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire in order to alleviate humanitarian suffering and support conditions for lasting peace. They reiterated their shared commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two-State solution and the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state on the basis of the 4 June 1967 lines.
Both leaders expressed concern over the spread of extremism and extremist ideologies that fuel terrorism and conflict. They reaffirmed their rejection of extremism in all its forms and their commitment to promoting tolerance, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2686. President Nikos Christodoulides briefed on Cyprus' initiative to establish an Interfaith Institute for Peaceful Coexistence.
On Sudan, the Presidents stressed the urgent need for a humanitarian truce to alleviate civilian suffering, emphasizing the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for crimes committed. They reaffirmed their support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and welcomed the efforts of the Quad, agreeing to remain actively engaged in support of ceasefire and transition initiatives.
The war in Ukraine was also discussed, with both sides reaffirming their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of the UN Charter. The leaders highlighted the importance of humanitarian assistance and noted the roles of both Cyprus and the UAE in relief efforts, dialogue facilitation, and support for Ukraine's recovery.
The joint statement also reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the UAE, with both Presidents expressing satisfaction over progress in expanding bilateral cooperation. Areas identified for concrete cooperation include trade, investment, energy, political dialogue, tourism, culture, defense, education, maritime transport, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
President Christodoulides warmly welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his historic visit-the first ever by a UAE President to Cyprus-which both sides described as a milestone reflecting the strategic depth of bilateral relations. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to further elevating the partnership through an ambitious, forward-looking agenda, with a primary focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and interconnectivity.
The two leaders agreed to develop a Joint Action Plan to further enhance bilateral cooperation and support the implementation of new projects, under the supervision of the foreign ministries of the two countries. They also welcomed a high-level UAE business delegation and the Cyprus-UAE Business Roundtable, aimed at promoting strategic trade and investment opportunities.
Investment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, as well as joint ventures in areas such as renewable energy, interconnectivity, defense, large-scale infrastructure, shipping, and maritime cooperation, were identified.
President Christodoulides also provided an update on Cyprus' upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, highlighting the focus on the EU's Southern Neighbourhood and EU-GCC relations. Both sides agreed on a set of aligned priorities aimed at further enhancing and deepening relations between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.