Nicosia: President Nikos Christodoulides' official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain confirms the Republic of Cyprus' firm willingness to further strengthen its relations with the Gulf countries, and in particular with Bahrain, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement on Sunday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the President's official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain 'is taking place at a particularly significant juncture.' He noted that the Republic of Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, while Bahrain is chairing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the 2026-2027 period and is also a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. 'These factors confer particular political weight on the visit and enhance its strategic character at bilateral, regional and international level,' he added.
'The visit confirms the Republic of Cyprus' firm intention to further strengthen its relations with the Gulf countries, and particularly with Bahrain,' he said. At the same time, he adds, 'it reflects one of the core priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU: the substantive upgrading of relations between the EU and the countries of the Middle East and the Gulf, based on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared pursuit of stability and security.'
The Republic of Cyprus and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Letymbiotis noted, 'as small island states operating in a complex geopolitical environment, share common perceptions regarding their role on the international stage.' Both pursue active and multidimensional diplomacy, with priority given to promoting regional security, stability and peaceful coexistence. Their cooperation is based on mutual respect, international law and a willingness for coordinated action in regional and international fora, he added.
Importance is also attached to the signing of a number of Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding during the visit, Letymbiotis said, noting that these documents 'constitute a tangible outcome of the systematic preparatory work that has preceded and strengthen the institutional framework of bilateral cooperation, creating new prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships.'
'A strong indication of close cooperation is also the Joint Action Plan, which was agreed by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries in April 2025, providing a clear framework for deepening cooperation in political, economic, investment, energy, educational and cultural fields,' he added.
Letymbiotis also pointed out that bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Bahrain 'is developing steadily and with strategic depth.' A significant milestone was the decision to establish an Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Manama in late 2023, making Cyprus the fourth EU member state to do so, he added.
'As the closest EU member state to the region, the Republic of Cyprus acts as a reliable bridge between the EU and the Gulf countries. It promotes dialogue, strengthens mutual understanding and actively supports the upgrading of relations between the EU, Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council as a whole,' he said.
Letymbiotis further noted that key priorities of the Cypriot Presidency include the completion of the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement, the promotion of visa liberalisation and the launch of negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement. These initiatives will strengthen institutional, economic and political links between the two sides, he said.