Cyprus and Bahrain enter New Strategic Phase

TDT | Manama

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The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, outlined a new era in Bahraini–Cypriot relations during a comprehensive interview with Al-Ayam, conducted during his reception of the Editor-in-Chief, Nabeel Rashid Al-Hamer, highlighting a shift from traditional friendship to a strategic partnership encompassing political coordination, economic integration, and regional security.

The interview took place on the sidelines of President Christodoulides’s official visit to Bahrain—his third visit to the Kingdom and the first since assuming the presidency—where he received a warm welcome from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The President described the hospitality and organization as a reflection of the deep trust and respect between the two nations.

President Christodoulides emphasized the timing of the visit, coinciding with Bahrain’s presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which he said opens new opportunities for institutional and strategic cooperation between Europe and the Gulf.

During the visit, Cyprus and Bahrain signed nine memoranda of understanding across key sectors, along with a joint action plan featuring more than 14 practical initiatives at bilateral and regional levels. The agreements reflect close coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries, national security advisers, and relevant agencies.

The Cypriot President highlighted his country’s priorities during its EU presidency in 2026, including, Resuming negotiations on the EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement, Advancing visa-free access for Bahrainis to EU countries and Strengthening energy cooperation through joint initiatives and meetings between GCC and EU energy ministers.

President Christodoulides also underlined Cyprus’s humanitarian and diplomatic role in the region. He cited the country’s efforts during the Gaza crisis, where Cyprus acted as a platform for delivering humanitarian aid in coordination with the international community.

On security, he revealed advanced coordination between the national security and intelligence services of Cyprus and Bahrain, describing it as a cornerstone of the new strategic partnership amid rising regional challenges.

The President stressed that the visit holds both symbolic and substantive significance, marking the start of a practical phase of cooperation, reinforced by Bahrain’s presidency of the GCC, Cyprus’s EU leadership, and Bahrain’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Regarding Cyprus’s reunification, President Christodoulides reaffirmed that resolving the division of the island remains an absolute national priority, insisting that the status quo since 1974 is not a solution. He emphasized efforts to resume negotiations in line with UN Security Council resolutions, leveraging the EU presidency to foster political momentum.

Finally, the interview explored economic, investment, and tourism opportunities, with the President calling on the private sector to transform agreements into tangible outcomes, signaling a shift from dialogue to action in the Bahrain–Cyprus partnership.