UK-Cyprus Relations and Regional Security Priority of Starmer’s Visit

A diplomatic source in London told the Cyprus News Agency on Monday that talks are to cover a wide range of issues, with the UN efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem expected to feature high on the agenda.

Starmer will be received by President Nikos Christodoulides at the presidential palace on Tuesday morning. This will be the first visit by a British leader for bilateral talks with Cyprus since Ted Heath’s trip in 1971. John Major visited in 1993, but this was part of the Commonwealth heads of state meeting then held in Cyprus.

The UK’s prime minister will discuss bilateral cooperation, security challenges, developments in Syria and the Cyprus problem during the upcoming talks.

The UK government has reiterated its support to the UN secretary-general’s attempts to bring all sides around the table. The British stance on the need to reach a settlement within the existing UN parameters, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, has not changed, the source said.

The same position was repeated during last week’s meeting between Starmer and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as London’s readiness to fulfil its role as one of the guarantor powers and accept an invitation by the UNSG Antonio Guterres for an expanded meeting on the Cyprus problem, involving the guarantor countries (Greece, the UK and Turkey).

Tuesday’s meeting will also focus on strengthening bilateral ties and collaboration on trade and investment, tourism, education and culture, energy, climate, security and defence.

Moreover, recent developments in Syria will be discussed along with the overall situation in the Middle East.

The UK High Commission in Nicosia has commented that “the visit underscores the strength and breadth of the bilateral relationship.”

It added that security challenges to be discussed also include “Russian illicit finance” and tackling serious organised crime. The need to tackle migrant smuggling gangs and the future of the war in Ukraine will be distinct parts of the conversation, as well as the support Cyprus could offer Starmer’s administration.

Before leaving Cyprus, Starmer will meet with British soldiers, who will be serving at the British bases in Cyprus during the festive period.

The UK prime minister will travel to Cyprus having concluded meetings on Monday with the leaders of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, focusing on trade and security.

The meeting was planned before Syria’s ruler Bashar al-Assad fell from power over the weekend.

Source: Cyprus Mail-CNA