Two Commonwealth nations are coming together to support each other.
Britain stressed the importance of its cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. This was part of its annual strategic defence review. Britain added that Cyprus was a key regional partner for important areas of defence, security, and regional stability.
The British Ministry of Defence report states that Britain enjoys close cooperation with the island nation of Cyprus on defence, security, and regional stability issues. This was whilst Britain acknowledged the presence of the UK’s peacekeeping mission on Cyprus through UNFICYP in sustaining stability on the island of Cyprus.
The importance of British bases, which are sustained under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, is highlighted in the UK’s defence report.
Cyprus President Christodoulides & Prime Minister Keir Starmer are working closely towards the formation of a strategic defence & security agreement. In May 2025, the Cypriot leader stated that the two countries were quite close to reaching an agreement.
This announcement follows Christodoulides’s 3rd meeting with Starmer since the British PM took office 16 months ago in July 2024. This demonstrates what the Cypriot President described as ‘exceptional levels of bilateral relations’.
Starmer’s last visit to Cyprus was a year back in December 2024. This marked the 1st visit by a British PM to the island in 53 years. It signalled what the Cypriot government sources described as ‘new dynamics’ in bilateral relations.
This referred visit preceded the Cyprus-UK Strategic Dialogue, which has been conducted in meetings between Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Both the UK & Cyprus have agreed to upgrade their cooperation mechanisms. This agreement also includes more consistent and timely information sharing. Officials noted that regional conflicts have highlighted the importance of sustaining close cooperation, which was essential in advancing common interests.
Cypriot President Christodoulides stressed the need for the regional diplomatic role Cyprus was sustaining. The Cypriot President added that it’s important that Britain recognises the role of his country. Christodoulides also added that Britain notes that Cyprus plays an important role in the region by maintaining excellent relations with all neighbouring states.
