Paphos, Cyprus. The United Kingdom and Cyprus reaffirmed their close relationship after talks between British minister for European affairs Stephen Doughty and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and shared security concerns amid developments in the wider region.
Talks cover relations, trade and security
Doughty said the two countries maintain a strong friendship and partnership based on a long history. He described the discussions as important and said the two sides sustain a strong dialogue across multiple sectors, adding that cooperation remains close given the situation in the wider region.
He confirmed that both sides exchanged views on a range of foreign policy issues and highlighted the importance of security in ongoing cooperation.
EU presidency and UK-EU cooperation
Doughty referred to Cyprus’ EU council presidency, describing it as important, and pointed to increased and very positive cooperation between the UK and the EU following last year’s summit. He said progress is being made in many areas, underlining efforts to strengthen post-Brexit engagement between London and Brussels.
Kombos stresses diplomatic engagement
In a separate statement on X, Kombos emphasised the need for sustained diplomatic engagement, saying continuous and effective coordination is essential in an increasingly complex and changing geopolitical environment. He added that diplomacy and meaningful dialogue is the only sustainable path to stability.
Tourism and cultural links
The talks also touched on broader bilateral relations, including trade, tourism and longstanding cultural links. Doughty referred to British visitors on the island, saying it was great to come to Paphos with so many British tourists.
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