Foreign minister Constantinos Kombos outlined the country’s foreign policy stance and its pivotal role in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East during meetings in London, emphasising that “Cyprus is part of the solution, not part of the problem”.
Kombos, who travelled from Qatar, where he had discussed regional issues, including the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, met with the president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK, Christos Karaolis, to discuss developments in Cyprus.
The minister delivered a keynote address at a closed roundtable discussion at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) on “Cyprus’s geostrategic role: prospects and challenges”, followed by an address at a parliamentary event organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus.
Speaking about the Cyprus issue, Kombos said: “We are determined to continue all efforts to restart negotiations for a viable solution to the Cyprus Issue, within the sole framework: the relevant UN Security Council resolutions calling for a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in full alignment with EU law, values and principles”.
The minister highlighted Cyprus’s regional cooperation initiatives and its role in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting the success of the “Amalthea” initiative despite initial scepticism.
He detailed ongoing humanitarian efforts in collaboration with the UK, UAE and others.
Kombos emphasised that geography is central to Cypriot foreign policy, describing the country as “an intersection point between Europe, Asia and Africa”.
He also outlined the success of the CYCLOPS centre, funded by the US, which has trained over 900 government officials from countries including Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen and Pakistan in its first year.
Regarding migration, the minister addressed concerns about Turkey’s actions and its instrumentalisation of irregular migrants.
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