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Tag: Syria

  • UK High Commissioner Highlights Cyprus as Key Regional Partner

    UK High Commissioner Highlights Cyprus as Key Regional Partner

    The United Kingdom regards Cyprus as a significant regional partner due to its robust relationships across the Eastern Mediterranean, British High Commissioner Michael Tatham stated during his address at the Cyprus Forum 2025.

    Tatham expressed the UK’s appreciation for Cyprus’s positive connections with both Israel and its Arab neighbours, calling the island nation “a very important partner for our diplomacy.” His remarks underline the strategic importance of Cyprus in a region that has faced considerable instability in recent years.

    Emphasising the Eastern Mediterranean’s political, economic, and energy significance, Tatham remarked on the potential for the area to transition from instability to stability. He stated, “So when we talk about the change we would like to see, as the United Kingdom, it is a shift from instability to stability, a shift that allows us to do more to explore opportunities in the region instead of constantly addressing problems and challenges.”

    In outlining the UK’s priorities for the region, Tatham highlighted two critical areas of focus: Gaza and Syria. With regard to Gaza, he articulated the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the flow of humanitarian aid. “We welcome the recent US plan, which we hope can offer a pathway towards these goals. In the long term, we believe lasting stability requires a political path towards a two-state solution,” he added.

    Turning to Syria, Tatham conveyed optimism about embedding stability in the country. He stated, “I think we now have the opportunity to embed stability in Syria. Therefore, we warmly support this goal and an inclusive political transition in Syria.”

    The UK’s commitment to fostering stability in the Eastern Mediterranean aligns with its broader diplomatic objectives, as the region’s stability is crucial not only for its own interests but also for the security of Europe and its neighbouring regions.

  • Trilateral cooperation — Greek and Syrian Foreign Ministers Explore Trilateral Cooperation Involving Cyprus

    Trilateral cooperation — Greek and Syrian Foreign Ministers Explore Trilateral Cooperation Involving Cyprus

    Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani met in Athens to discuss a trilateral cooperation scheme involving Cyprus. The meeting, announced by the Greek foreign ministry on Wednesday, reflects a strategic intention to enhance regional collaboration.

    Trilateral cooperation: Commitment to Regional Cooperation

    During the meeting, both ministers underscored their commitment to fostering regional cooperation through the establishment of a trilateral format that would include Cyprus. Lana Zochiou, spokesperson for the Greek foreign ministry, relayed this intent, stating, “The ministers confirmed their will to promote regional cooperation by establishing a trilateral format with the participation of the Republic of Cyprus.”

    Potential Meeting at the UN General Assembly

    The first meeting of the proposed trilateral partnership could occur during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled from September 9 to September 29 in New York. This platform presents an opportunity for further dialogue and the potential for solidifying agreements among the involved parties.

    Awaiting Concrete Measures

    While the discussion marks a significant step in diplomatic relations, specific details outlining how the trilateral cooperation will manifest remain undisclosed. The absence of concrete measures raises questions about the practical implications of the proposed collaboration.

    Cyprus’s Role in Regional Diplomacy

    Cyprus has been actively pursuing better relations with Syria, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in a statement made in May. He noted that Cyprus was “actively pursuing good neighbourly relations” with Syria and advocated for the lifting of sanctions on the nation. Given Cyprus’s geographic proximity to Syria—approximately 350km—this initiative could facilitate a more robust interaction between the two countries.

    Addressing Migration Challenges

    Amid rising concerns over asylum seekers and irregular migrants arriving in Cyprus, the government has initiated efforts to engage European Union partners regarding safety declarations for parts of Syria. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou labelled the situation as “alarming,” prompting Cyprus to lead a group of EU members to explore this issue further.

    Collaborative Efforts with Greece

    In a recent meeting with Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis, Ioannou emphasised the necessity for “joint actions” to effectively manage the ongoing migration situation. This collaboration aligns with Greece’s expressed intent to join the Cyprus-led EU Syria Group, aiming to address the complexities of migration flows in the region.

    International Meeting on Migration

    In mid-May 2024, an international meeting of interior ministers was convened in Cyprus, featuring representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland. This gathering aimed to discuss coordinated strategies to tackle the pressing issues related to migration and asylum seekers.

    Looking Ahead

    The discussions between Greece and Syria, with Cyprus as a participating nation, signal a potential shift in regional dynamics. While the specifics of the trilateral cooperation scheme are yet to be defined, these diplomatic efforts could pave the way for enhanced collaboration in addressing shared challenges.

    The ongoing dialogue between these countries illustrates the importance of regional partnerships in navigating complex political and humanitarian issues. As the situation develops, the involvement of Cyprus alongside Greece and Syria could prove pivotal in shaping future cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.