Cyprus’ resilience in the face of Turkey’s challenges and its strategy to strengthen its diplomatic footprint was underlined by Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, in his speech at an event held by “The International Propeller Club of the US – Port of Piraeus” on September 9 at the Hellenic Navy Club, marking 50 years since the Turkish invasion.
The FM described the Cyprus issue as decisive for the foreign policy and an issue that encompasses various interests.
“The Cyprus issue affects every action of the Republic of Cyprus, whether directly or indirectly. What is self-evident for other states is more complex for us. The challenge is how to shape a prosperous normality under abnormal conditions”, he said.
He added that the answer lies in creativity. “Overcoming the problem and highlighting that the Republic of Cyprus is much more than just a problem. It is part of the solution network in our region,” he added.
He cited the example of the resilience of Cypriot shipping, in direct and ongoing connectio
n with Greece, a global center of maritime activity.
Referring to Turkey’s continued violation of international law over the past five decades, he said that the Republic of Cyprus faces an existential threat on a daily basis.
“We face increasing daily violations by the Turkish army in the buffer zone. We have the threat of the settlement of Varosha, the rapid exploitation and sale of illegally occupied Greek Cypriot properties, and the ongoing efforts to upgrade the status of the illegal secessionist entity”, he said.
However, he stated that the Republic of Cyprus “remains here, with resilience and focus”. As a member state of the European Union and an active member of the international community, its foremost concern is the protection of the Republic’s existence by any means necessary, Kombos said.
He added that the driving force is the “expansion of the diplomatic footprint of the Republic of Cyprus.”
Among other things, the Foreign Minister referred to Cyprus’ strategy of acting as a bridge between th
e sensitive region it is located in and the European Union, supporting its already strong relations with neighbouring states.
He highlighted Cyprus’ role as a safe harbour for humanitarian purposes, such as evacuations from war zones, citing examples like the 2006 operations in Lebanon and the 2023 evacuations from Sudan and Israel. He said that Cyprus has implemented the Amalthea Plan for the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite many challenges and initial skepticism. This initiative, he added, combined with the support of an international coalition, has positioned Cyprus as a leader in this field.
“We initially started with barges, then with the American platform, which was eventually withdrawn. And now I hear the same questions again. What does this mean? That the effort stops? The answer is relatively simple. We are particularly stubborn and determined. And not only will it not stop, but it continues in another way, through the port of Ashdod”, he said.
He stressed that this is significant not
only for humanitarian aid now but also looking to the future when the time comes to rebuild Gaza. The Republic of Cyprus, he said, will be ready to assist in that case.
Moreover, he said that the Republic of Cyprus proves its reliability on the international stage through its participation in strategic dialogue with the US and its collaboration with the FBI in fighting corruption.
“These, along with the energy sector, led to the announcement in June of the initiation of a strategic dialogue between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus”, he said.
The first meeting within the framework of this strategic dialogue would take place in Nicosia in October, he added.
The FM reiterated the government’s full commitment to the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue.
Regarding the provision of incentives necessary to persuade the other side to return to the dialogue, he said that while incentives have been offered, it must be clear that providing incentives cannot be an excuse for the continued refusal o
f the other side and cannot, in any case, be at the expense of the substance of the Cyprus issue.
The Foreign Minister stressed that Cyprus is facing Turkey which is a significant geostrategic player, active in various regions such as Africa and Asia, fully utilising its diplomacy and military industry. Despite the disparity in geostrategic importance, he added, Cyprus can showcase its own significance through resilience, its comparative advantages, and international legality, while remaining an EU member state. He also underscored the importance of the relationship and coordination with Greece, noting the relevance of the electrical interconnection.
He added that shipping, as a pillar of economic development for both Greece and Cyprus, is another reference point where cooperation between the two is extremely beneficial for all. He said that Greece and Cyprus began a Government-to-Government effort a few months ago, and both countries have similar collaborations with several other states.
Cyprus has been d
ivided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency