Joint Summary of the third UK-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue

Senior officials from the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) and the United Kingdom convened on 18 December 2025 in Nicosia for the third annual Strategic Dialogue, reaffirming the strength of their bilateral partnership and setting clear ambitions for the year ahead.

Both sides reiterated their enduring commitment to a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Problem, within the UN-agreed framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. They expressed appreciation for the UN Secretary General's efforts in supporting dialogue between all the parties and will continue to engage meaningfully in the UN-led process.

In view of Cyprus's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, both sides emphasised the need to maintain progress on the agreed outcomes of the EU-UK Summit (19 May 2025).

Foreign Policy, Defence and Security

Bilateral cooperation on foreign policy and regional security has deepened over the past year, including joint action supporting Ukraine. The UK and Cyprus have invested in robust sanctions enforcement with a focus on boosting Cyprus's National Sanctions Implementation Unit. The sides agreed to expand engagement in this area in the coming year. Working together to promote regional stability in the Middle East, both countries will continue to urge sustained humanitarian support for Gaza, including through the Cyprus Maritime Corridor. The UK recognised Cyprus's vital role in crisis management, notably through Plan ESTIA on civilian evacuations. The UK and Cyprus also committed to deepen their cooperation on shared priorities within the UN Human Rights Council, OSCE and the Commonwealth.

Their renewed Bilateral Defence Co-operation Programme has delivered joint military exercises and advanced training, with work ongoing towards a broader security and defence agreement. The partnership will grow further next year, focusing on defence industry collaboration, information sharing and interoperability. This cooperation builds on Cyprus' input to the UK Strategic Defence Review and the UK's expertise in relation to the upcoming RoC Defence Industry Strategy.

Migration

The UK and Cyprus are steadfast partners in strengthening public safety and tackling illegal and irregular migration. Both sides welcomed close collaboration between law enforcement agencies to address shared challenges on illegal and irregular migration, human trafficking and illicit finance. These efforts will continue next year, including further joint initiatives on counter-terrorism preparedness in the tourism industry in Cyprus.

Growth, Education, and Innovation

Education remains central to the bilateral relationship. The UK and Cyprus have convened public and private stakeholders this year to identify practical ways to strengthen higher education cooperation and access. The partnership extends to culture and innovation, through initiatives such as the 'Empowering Creative & Cultural Professionals in the Euro-Med Region' programme and ongoing archaeological missions in Cyprus.

Plans are underway for new exchange programmes and for joint research initiatives between university-led Centres of Excellence. The exchange of expertise and the UK GREAT Campaign have supported further growth, with a high-level business and investment meeting planned in the coming year. The UK and Cyprus agreed to build on the positive outcomes of this Strategic Dialogue, working together to promote security, prosperity, and shared values for the benefit of both countries.