Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and his British counterpart David Lammy had an “extremely productive” meeting in London on Tuesday, as they worked to strengthen bilateral relations.
Speaking after the early-morning working breakfast at the official residence of the British foreign secretary, Kombos expressed hope that the strategic dialogue would yield positive results. He referred to the relationship with the United Kingdom as one of “historical depth, multidimensional, and substantive”.
“We hope that the strategic dialogue will produce positive results for both sides. We have sincere willingness and see a corresponding response from the United Kingdom to deepen, strengthen, and adapt the relationship to meet the strategic dimension we believe can benefit both sides,” Kombos added.
Marking the third high-level meeting between the two countries in two months, the meeting followed two meetings between President Nikos Christodoulides and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the latest last week.
When asked whether the tangible willingness for closer bilateral cooperation could create favourable conditions for addressing regional challenges, the foreign minister spoke of an “extremely dangerous situation in our region,” referencing developments in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon and the Red Sea.
“Cyprus is geographically positioned at the centre of these crises. We have demonstrated that we can be a reliable, predictable partner – one that delivers on promises. This is something observed by third countries with strategic vision, such as the United Kingdom, with whom we share deep historical ties. There is now an opportunity to turn a new page in our relationship, as stated by the President,” Kombos added.
He also recalled that at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, Cyprus submitted a document of proposals to the EU regarding its role in shaping future developments in Syria.
Specifically, the Cypriot minister co-submitted a non-paper with Greece and Austria urging the EU to appoint a special envoy to Syria and to use frozen Assad-era assets for reconstruction. Urging the EU to take a proactive role in Syria’s future, he stressed the need for an inclusive transition of power that protects minority rights.
Kombos also highlighted the “pivotal role” of the UK in the Cyprus issue, emphasising its influence as a permanent UN Security Council member and its participation in the upcoming five-party conference at the desired political level. He reaffirmed that Cyprus remains committed to a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in Security Council resolutions.
Earlier, in brief statements upon his arrival British Foreign Minister, Lammy referred to the “wonderful and warm” bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He added that he has known Cyprus throughout his life due to the many Cypriots who have made their homes in north London, which he also represents in the House of Commons.
Lammy expressed “immense gratitude” on behalf of the British government to Cyprus for its assistance to the global community during the Middle East crisis, its support for the people of Ukraine, and its ongoing efforts to combat the trafficking of illicit money.
Kombos said he and Lammy have committed to turning their intentions into actions and results to deepen bilateral relations.
In the evening, Kombos will meet members of the Cypriot diaspora to brief them on the progress of efforts to restart negotiations on the Cyprus issue. He will also give an interview to the British television network Sky News.
The strategic dialogue meetings are expected to last throughout the day, addressing priorities for strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including foreign policy and defence, education and climate change mitigation.
Delegations, headed by Director-General of the foreign ministry Andreas Kakouris and Director-General for Europe at the UK Foreign Office Dame Deborah Bronnert are conducting the second annual review of the Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday morning.
