The Commonwealth nations of the UK and Cyprus come together on a remarkable journey of cooperation.
Britain stressed the importance of this development with the Republic of Cyprus in its annual strategic defence review, adding that Cyprus was a ‘key regional partner for defence, security & regional stability matters.
The UK Ministry of Defence report states that Britain ‘enjoys close cooperation’ with the island nation of Cyprus on defence, security issues & regional stability issues, whilst acknowledging the presence of the UK’s peacekeeping mission on Cyprus through UNFICYP in sustaining stability on the island of Cyprus.
The defence report document highlights the importance of maintaining British bases under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment.
Strategic dialogue
Cyprus President Christodoulides & Prime Minister Keir Starmer are working towards a strategic defence & security agreement. In May 2025, the Cypriot leader stated that the 2 countries are quite close to closing towards reaching such an agreement.
This announcement follows Christodoulides’ 3rd meeting with Starmer since the British PM took office 16 months back in July 2024. This demonstrates what the presidency described as ‘exceptional levels of bilateral relations.
Diplomatic momentum
Starmer’s visit to Cyprus, a year ago, in December 2024, marked the first visit by a British PM to the island in 53 years. This visit signalled what Cypriot government sources described as “new dynamics” in bilateral relations.
This visit preceded the Cyprus-UK Strategic Dialogue, which has involved meetings between Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Regional cooperation
Both countries have agreed to upgrade their cooperation mechanisms, besides including more consistent & timely information sharing. Officials noted that regional conflicts have highlighted the importance of sustaining close cooperation in advancing common interests.
Cypriot President Christodoulides emphasised Cyprus’s regional diplomatic role, adding that it’s important that Britain recognises the role his country plays in the region by sustaining excellent relations with all neighbouring states.
