cyprus security — cyprus security — UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that Cyprus’ security is taken “seriously” during a meeting in Whitehall with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. This meeting followed their joint appearance in Brussels on Monday for the launch of the Palestine donor group, demonstrating the strong ties between the two nations.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cyprus security: Recent Security Incidents Raise Alarms
Cooper’s comments come in the wake of a troubling incident where a Cypriot-flagged ship was struck by a missile while navigating the Strait of Hormuz last Sunday. Expressing her condolences, she stated, “That, I think, shows how much we have in common and how much we have to discuss on the issues of shared foreign policy”. She reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Cyprus amid these security challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The two ministers also took the opportunity to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relationships, noting the significant presence of Cypriots in the UK and British tourists visiting Cyprus. According to Cooper, approximately 300,000 Cypriots reside in the UK, while 1.4 million Brits travel to Cyprus each year. She highlighted the importance of these connections, stating, “those close people-to-people partnerships between our countries and our commitment to ensuring that we can deepen our relationships”.
Acknowledging the Complexity of the Relationship
Kombos acknowledged the current geopolitical climate, saying, “we are living in a very difficult period”. He stressed the need for countries to recalibrate their relationships in light of ongoing global transformations. The Cypriot Foreign Minister expressed a desire for a more substantial strategic partnership with the UK, focusing on improving communication and collaboration on security matters.
The Future of British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus
One significant topic that was noticeably absent from the discussion was the status of the British sovereign bases in Cyprus. These bases have been a point of contention, especially following an incident earlier this year when the Akrotiri base was targeted by an Iranian-made drone. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides had previously referred to the bases as a “colonial remnant” and indicated a desire for open discussions with the UK regarding their future.
The European Council has expressed its readiness to assist the Cypriot government in these discussions and acknowledged Cyprus’ intention to engage with the UK on this matter. However, recent statements from UK officials suggest a reluctance to revisit the status of the bases, with the former parliamentary undersecretary of state for the armed forces, Al Carns, stating that their future is “not in question” before resigning over defence funding issues.
Ongoing Efforts for Dialogue
Despite the apparent lack of progress on the bases issue, the Cypriot government remains committed to fostering dialogue. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou revealed that legal advice had been sought regarding the treaty establishing the bases, indicating that the complex security situation will continue to be a focus of discussions with the UK.
While the Cypriot government has toned down its rhetoric regarding the bases in recent months, local officials like Kourion mayor Pantelis Georgiou have continued to voice concerns. Recently, he accused the bases’ administration of misleading the municipality regarding the placement of communications antennae near Akrotiri.
A Broader Context of Cooperation
Cooper and Kombos’ meeting marks a significant moment for UK-Cyprus relations, particularly in the context of regional security. The two nations share a complex history, yet both are eager to move forward with a constructive approach to their partnership. Kombos articulated the need for a comprehensive dialogue on a range of issues, stating, “The whole approach is in the direction of finding answers and solutions to problems, not to create new ones”.
As the UK prepares for a potential change in government, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expected to resign, the future of UK-Cyprus relations remains to be seen. However, the commitment to addressing security concerns and fostering bilateral ties appears steadfast, as both nations navigate the challenges of an evolving geopolitical landscape.
