Starmer Becomes the First British PM to Visit Cyprus in 53 Years
Starmer Becomes the First British PM to Visit Cyprus in 53 Years
Talks between British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia centered on the Middle East crisis and the Cyprus settlement process.
Starmer, the first British prime minister to visit Cyprus in 53 years, said it was a “privilege” to be on the island.
Bilateral relations, with emphasis on the second strategic dialogue between the two countries, as well as on cooperation in security, defense, education, culture, the economy, investments, trade, energy and migration, were discussed, according to a joint statement.
It was added that both Starmer and Christodoulides expressed satisfaction over the level of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their common will to further enhance ties.
The two leaders also discussed Syria and possible repercussions in the region. Cyprus’ humanitarian role was stressed, both in sending aid and in facilitating evacuees.
In relation to the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides elaborated on developments following a meeting in New York with the UN chief and the Turkish Cypriot leader. The role of the UK was highlighted as a guarantor power and a penholder at the UN Security Council, as per the joint statement.
Starmer’s “historic visit” to Cyprus
Welcoming Starmer to the presidential palace, Christodoulides said this was a “historic visit.”
“This is clear proof of our strong will to work together, to enhance our bilateral relationship in defense, security, investments, trade, education, technology and on all levels,” he said.
Christodoulides said Starmer was visiting Cyprus at a time of “great developments in our region,” which they would be discussing in order to create “conditions of stability and security.”
“Of course, we will discuss the relationship of the EU with the UK in view of Cyprus’ presidency of the EU Council during the first half of 2026, and of course the Cyprus problem,” Christodoulides added.
The President said the UK, as a guarantor power and UN Security Council permanent member, had “a special role to play in resuming talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions.”
Starmer said it was a real privilege to be in Cyprus, and he was delighted that, after the two men met in London in October, they had been able to get the “historic meeting” in Cyprus together so quickly.
“Please take it as a statement of my intent that our really strong relationship, partnership between our countries, strong historically, strong because of the ties that we’ve had, people to people for many, many years, common interests, could be taken to an even stronger level between us,” he said.
He added that there were many issues in which the countries were already working closely together. This includes the EU reset.
Britain-Cyprus cooperation against Russian cash flows
According to Reuters, the two leaders also pledged to fight illicit Russian cash flows.
A former British colony, Cyprus has worked hard to shake off a reputation as a haven for Russian businesses and light-touch regulation, aligning with the West over Russia and the growing turmoil in the Middle East.
Britain is providing know-how in helping Cyprus establish a new national sanctions implementation unit and will launch education programs for law enforcement teams next year, Downing Street officials have said.
“Together with the Republic of Cyprus, we are stemming the flow of illicit finance through Europe to starve [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war machine and protect global stability,” Starmer said in a statement.