The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, concluded today, 14 December 2025, at the Presidential Place, in Lefkosia, their official talks in the framework of the historic first visit by a President of the UAE to the Republic of Cyprus.
This visit constitutes the most official confirmation that relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the UAE have advanced substantially and that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries acquires an even greater depth and operational momentum.
During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their common will to further expand and deepen the bilateral cooperation between their countries, and agreed that today marks the transition of the bilateral relations from strategic convergence to strategic implementation.
Today’s visit of the President of the UAE also confirms the political trust that has been built methodically and consistently at the level of political leadership, technocrats and business institutions, and which is now being transformed into tangible objectives and actionable initiatives with a clear implementation horizon. Emphasis is given to the economy, investments, energy and technology, as well as on sectors that that strengthen the social and cultural dimension of the relationship.
In this context, both sides reviewed and agreed on the need intensify cooperation in specific priority areas, such as the economy, trade, technology, renewable energy, education, culture, tourism and synergies that support mutual growth.
It was emphasised that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic Cyprus and the UAE provides a strong platform for the further promoting bilateral relations, while particular emphasis was placed on the need for this cooperation to acquire a stable structure, continuity and measurable indicators of progress.
Particular importance was attached to the investment agenda and to the UAE’s intention to proceed with more direct and substantive investment initiatives in the Republic of Cyprus. It was noted that investments and economic relations constitute an integral part of bilateral relations, and a shared objective was recorded to enhance investment flows, both private and governmental, through specific projects and mature investment opportunities. It was emphasised that the Republic of Cyprus stands ready to provide every possible support, facilitate and expedite procedures as far as possible, in order to advance investments, particularly in high value-added sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, tourism and shipping.
During the visit, specific reference was made to the launch of institutional tools that render cooperation more practical and more functional. Both sides welcomed and recorded as a key deliverable the establishment of a permanent framework for cooperation between the business communities, through the creation of a UAE–Cyprus Joint Business Council, involving the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Invest Cyprus and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It was emphasised that this Council will operate as a stable mechanism for business networking, the promotion of partnerships, the maturation of investment projects and the creation of a coherent investment pipeline, with the aim of ensuring that economic cooperation has continuity, structure and tangible results.
At the same time, the two sides agreed to work towards a Joint Action Plan in areas of converging cooperation, including trade, investments, energy, political dialogue, tourism, culture, education, shipping, security and critical infrastructure.
During the meeting, reference was also made to the significance of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which begins on 1 January 2026, and to the additional opportunities it creates for strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the UAE and the EU. Both sides expressed the conviction that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU will offer further opportunities to enhance EU–UAE relations, as well as more broadly relations between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a practical orientation.
In this context, particular reference was also made to the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the UAE and the EU, as a development that could unlock new prospects for trade, investments and economic cooperation and further strengthen bilateral cooperation within the European framework.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, with emphasis on developments in the Middle East and on the importance of peace and regional stability. Particular emphasis was placed on the continuation and further strengthening of cooperation for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, through all available channels, reflecting the shared commitment of the two countries to alleviating the humanitarian consequences of crises and to strengthening the conditions for dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus assesses the visit as exceptionally important and multifaceted, as it consolidates, in the most formal manner, the Cyprus–UAE strategic relationship, elevates it to an even more practical level and creates implementation structures capable of delivering measurable results.
Today’s visit opens a new chapter, in which the bilateral relationship acquires a clear operational character, with emphasis on closer cooperation and joint initiatives that enhance development, resilience and stability in the broader region.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, a joint statement was adopted, which is attached below.
(RM/LY/IA)