Helsinki: President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, met in Helsinki, expressing their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in strategic sectors such as shipping, defence, and tourism.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting was part of President Christodoulides’ visit to Finland, marking the first visit by a Cypriot President since 2004, following an invitation by President Stubb. During both their private and expanded meetings, which included their delegations, both leaders acknowledged the strong existing bilateral relations and expressed a mutual desire to deepen cooperation in crucial sectors like shipping, defence, and tourism.
Emphasis was placed on potential maritime sector collaboration, coinciding with a business forum held in Helsinki prior to the visit. There was also recognition of the significant growth in Finnish tourist arrivals to Cyprus, with a noted increase of 26.1% in 2024 compared to 2023 and 82% compared to 2019.
The discussions included exchanges on regional and international developments, focusing on Ukraine, transatlantic relations, and geopolitical instability in the Middle East. President Christodoulides highlighted the roles Cyprus and Finland could play, adhering to international law principles.
President Christodoulides briefed President Stubb on Cyprus’ preparations for assuming the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026, outlining the priorities for the Cyprus Presidency. He also expressed gratitude for Finland’s longstanding support of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and its principled stance on the Cyprus issue.
The latest developments in the Cyprus issue were discussed, including efforts to resume negotiations after the informal meeting in Geneva under the UN Secretary General’s auspices. The appointment of Johannes Hahn as EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus problem was highlighted as a sign of the EU’s increased involvement in restarting negotiations.
President Christodoulides also spoke of his forthcoming meeting with the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, emphasizing the international community’s continued engagement in the Cyprus issue and the urgency of resuming substantive talks.
The Cyprus President expressed satisfaction with the discussions and the mutual understanding achieved, noting that Cyprus and Finland, despite differing geographical locations, share geopolitical similarities and can serve as pillars of stability, European cohesion, and international peace.
The two delegations planned to attend a working dinner, with President Christodoulides later laying a wreath at the monument for fallen Finnish peacekeepers, honoring Finland’s enduring contribution to UNFICYP.