Nairobi: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos is currently in Kenya as part of a strategic series of visits to Africa in 2025, aimed at bolstering relations with nations across the continent. The visit underscores Cyprus’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation with African countries.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister is scheduled to meet with his Kenyan counterpart, Musalia Mudavadi, on Monday. During this meeting, both parties will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation and Political Consultations. Additionally, Kombos will inaugurate the new High Commission premises in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in Cyprus-Kenya relations.
On Sunday, Kombos will be visiting the “Makarios” orphanage in Nyeri, an institution that has benefited from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ support in reconstructing its building facilities and receiving technological equipment. Diplomatic sources reveal that the Ministry financed the reconstruction and donated 20 laptops to the orphanage, an act that highlights Cyprus’s commitment to development initiatives in Africa.
The Minister will also be inaugurating the ‘Olive Tree’ multipurpose hall of the ‘Sofia for Children’ Foundation, a project funded by the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus’s involvement in Kenya extends further, with funding provided for NGO programs, including a substantial contribution of £200,000 to the Sophia for Children Foundation for 2023-24. The country also granted £50,000 to the Team Europe Initiative for Kenya’s digital transformation in 2023, and £100,000 at a High-Level Event for the Humanitarian Aid Fund for the Horn of Africa/OCHA for Kenya in 2023. An additional £30,000 has been allocated to support the Archdiocese of Nairobi in 2025 to emphasize Cyprus’s historical and cultural ties and presence in the region.
Kombos will engage with the Ambassadors of the European Union Member States in Kenya to explore potential coordination on regional and international issues. He will also visit the Orthodox Archdiocese of Nairobi to meet with Archbishop Makarios of Nairobi and Kenya.
Following his visit to Kenya, Kombos will travel to Tanzania on 8 July 2025. He will represent the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, in efforts to strengthen the European Union’s engagement with African nations.