Nicosia: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, marking the first ever visit by a UAE President to Cyprus. The official visit comes at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the UAE President was received by President Christodoulides amidst the ceremonial sound of the national anthems of both nations, played by the National Guard and Police bands. In a gesture of respect, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III.
The reception, attended by key Cypriot officials, included Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister to the President Irini Piki, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, and National Security Advisor Tasos Tzionis. Following the welcome ceremony, the two Presidents engaged in a private meeting, which will be succeeded by broader discussions between their respective delegations.
A written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis indicated that the discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in investments, energy, and economic cooperation. Additionally, the talks will address Cyprus's upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, beginning January 1, 2026, and the potential for strengthening EU-Gulf relations, as well as regional developments and the ongoing Cyprus issue.