President Nikos Christodoulides and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to significantly deepen bilateral relations, as Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates move into a new phase of strategic and investment-driven cooperation.
Speaking after their private meeting at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, President Christodoulides described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first-ever official visit by a UAE President to the Republic of Cyprus and a milestone in the two countries’ relations.
“We share a relationship of strategic depth and importance, built on trust, mutual respect and a shared vision for stability and prosperity in our neighbourhood,” Christodoulides said, adding that the visit marked a joint decision to elevate cooperation to the next level.
He said the two sides were unlocking strong potential in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, energy, defence and maritime affairs, while also highlighting the importance of the visit ahead of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2026. Strengthening EU relations with the Gulf, and in particular with the UAE, he said, would be among Cyprus’ priorities during its EU Presidency.
“Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship, defined by confidence, ambition, common interests and our shared commitment to a more connected and prosperous region,” the Cypriot President said.
Economic cooperation
For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said that since the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, bilateral relations have continued to advance, particularly in sectors that support shared development, including energy, trade and investment, tourism and education.
He welcomed the launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the UAE and the European Union, describing it as a significant development that would unlock new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation, while further strengthening relations between the UAE and Cyprus.
The UAE President also noted that Cyprus’ upcoming EU Presidency would create additional opportunities for cooperation between the two countries within the broader framework of UAE–EU relations.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments, with particular emphasis on the Middle East, peace and regional stability. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed highlighted the importance both countries attach to humanitarian cooperation, noting that joint efforts to support the Palestinian people and Gaza reflect a shared commitment to mitigating the humanitarian impact of conflict. He thanked President Christodoulides for the warm welcome and expressed his wish for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties.
Energy and investment roadmap
According to government sources, the UAE has proposed the formulation of a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership with Cyprus, which would serve as a roadmap for the implementation of specific projects aimed at positioning Cyprus as an energy hub for the wider region and towards Europe.
Energy cooperation is among the UAE’s top investment priorities, with sources pointing to interest in projects spanning renewable energy, energy storage, natural gas and related infrastructure. The LNG terminal was identified as one of the most mature projects, alongside potential participation in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Further investment interest was expressed in AI-enabled data centres, port infrastructure – including the port of Larnaca and the commercial port at Vasiliko – subsea data cables, electricity interconnections, renewable energy and storage projects, private-sector mixed-use developments, as well as the technology park in Pentakomo. The UAE is also expected to study the Invest Cyprus project bank in detail.
The UAE President’s visit followed intensive preparatory contacts at multiple levels. On Saturday, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade held meetings with Cypriot ministers to discuss specific investment opportunities and took part in a business forum organised by the Presidency, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Invest Cyprus, with the participation of Cypriot and Emirati business leaders.
During the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CCCI, Invest Cyprus and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, providing for the establishment of a UAE–Cyprus Joint Business and Investment Council. The Council will serve as an institutional mechanism for promoting investments, strengthening business connectivity and maintaining a permanent dialogue between economic stakeholders in the two countries.
Government sources said the message emerging from the visit is that a new chapter of ambitious, practical and strategic cooperation is opening, in which political trust is translated into concrete investments and Cyprus strengthens its role as a stable and reliable hub in the Eastern Mediterranean and a bridge between the European Union and the wider region.
EU Presidency and Gulf relations
A key priority of Cyprus’ EU Presidency will be the further strengthening of relations between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, with specific substance and measurable outcomes. According to sources, Cyprus has already played a constructive role in supporting the launch of EU–UAE free trade negotiations, including by formally backing the UAE’s request to the European Commission and committing to further steps to accelerate technical procedures.