UAE And Cyprus Strengthen Strategic Partnership With Joint Statement Following Historic Visit

The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Cyprus released a joint statement during President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's official visit to Cyprus. This visit, occurring on 14 December 2025, marks the first by an Emirati President to Cyprus, highlighting the strategic depth of their relationship. Both nations aim to enhance their partnership with a focus on trade, investments, energy cooperation, and interconnectivity.

During the visit, both Presidents welcomed a high-level UAE business delegation and a Cyprus-UAE Business roundtable. These events aimed to promote strategic trade and investment opportunities. They identified potential collaborations in various fields such as renewable energy, defence, large-scale infrastructure projects, shipping, and maritime cooperation.

The leaders agreed on priorities to deepen EU-UAE relations further. They expressed strong commitment to resuming UN-facilitated efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. The solution is based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality as per the UN framework and Security Council resolutions.

President Christodoulides shared insights about Cyprus' upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. The focus will be on the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood and EU-GCC relations. The 2nd Investment & Finance Forum in Abu Dhabi on 11 December 2025 and an upcoming Energy Conference provide mutual investment opportunities.

The Presidents reiterated support for a peaceful resolution regarding Iran's occupation of UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. They called for bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice under international law principles. Cyprus reaffirmed its support for UAE sovereignty over these islands.

Both leaders acknowledged the Amalthea Cyprus Maritime Corridor as vital for humanitarian aid to Gaza. They committed to working with international partners to sustain this corridor's operations under UN2720 coordination. This aligns with President Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza.

Addressing Global Conflicts

The Presidents discussed Sudan's situation, emphasizing a humanitarian truce to alleviate civilian suffering. They stressed immediate de-escalation and unhindered humanitarian access while supporting Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ongoing efforts by the Quad (U.S., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) were welcomed.

The leaders also addressed Ukraine's conflict, supporting a just peace respecting sovereignty and UN principles. They noted UAE's role in facilitating humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia while acknowledging Cyprus’s support for Ukraine’s recovery efforts.

Promoting Tolerance and Dialogue

Both countries are committed to combating extremism by promoting tolerance through interreligious dialogue following UN Security Council Resolution 2686 provisions. President Christodoulides updated on establishing an Interfaith Institute for Peaceful Coexistence in Cyprus.

The joint statement reaffirms the strategic partnership between Cyprus and UAE across various sectors including trade, investment, energy cooperation, political dialogue, tourism, culture, defence education maritime transport large-scale infrastructure projects.

With inputs from WAM