UAE, Cyprus Presidents discuss enhancing strategic partnership

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has discussed enhancing cooperation with Niko Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Held during His Highness’ official visit to Cyprus on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, the two sides explored opportunities to boost collaboration across key sectors, including the economy, trade, technology, renewable energy, education, culture, tourism, and other areas that support mutual development.

The two nations reaffirmed that the UAE-Cyprus Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides a strong platform for further advancing bilateral relations.

They also noted Cyprus’ forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, expressing confidence that it would provide additional opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between the UAE and the EU. 

Adding on recent achievements with the EU, His Highness highlighted the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two parties as a significant step towards unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation, noting its potential to strengthen the UAE’s ties with Cyprus as both countries work more closely together within the wider EU framework.

The discussions also addressed a range of regional and international issues of shared interest, notably developments in the Middle East and the importance of fostering peace and regional stability.

Both sides stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation in delivering humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, reflecting their shared commitment to alleviating the humanitarian impact of conflicts and crises.

They recognised the Amalthea Cyprus Maritime Corridor, established through close UAE-Cyprus cooperation, as a crucial and complementary humanitarian lifeline for the people of Gaza.

The two nations also agreed to maintain close cooperation with international and regional partners in line with the UN2720 coordinated mechanism, to sustain and expand the corridor’s operations in support of the next phase of President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan to end the Gaza Conflict.

The Presidents concluded by developing a a Joint Action Plan further enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting the implementation of new projects, under the supervision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Cyprus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.