Category: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, has said that it is a positive development that for the first time in 8 years there is some movement as regards efforts to solve the Cyprus issue.

Kaklamanis was addressing a special session of the House of Representatives plenary in Nicosia, where he is paying an official visit.

On her part, the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, pointed out that the first official visit of Nikitas Kaklamanis to Cyprus as President of the Hellenic Parliament ‘entails high symbolism, but is also an act of fundamental political importance’, because ‘it demonstrates the strong historical ties between Greece and Cyprus and demonstrates the will of our two states to maintain a solid common front of Athens and Nicosia’.

Demetriou noted, inter alia, that ‘the strong fraternal bonds, the solidarity and the coexistence of Greece and Cyprus are reflected in the excellent cooperation between our two Parliaments over time, with a milestone in this cooperation being the publication of the ‘Cyprus File’, an extremely difficult undertaking, which contributes decisively to the goal of national self-awareness’.

She also assured that the House of Representatives will continue to work to further strengthen and expand cooperation with the Greek Parliament at all levels.

In his address, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, pointed out that Greece and Cyprus have made it clear that a solution to the Cyprus problem is not conceivable without the complete withdrawal of the illegal occupation troops and without the liberation of Cyprus from anachronistic systems of guarantees and rights of third-party intervention in Cypriot affairs.

He noted that it is a positive development that for the first time in 8 years there is some movement in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, at the initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

He also assured that, despite the climate of tension in the Hellenic Parliament, Cyprus is one of the few issues that unites the political parties in the Parliament.

Demetriou expresses gratitude for Greece’s support in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem

—-

Addressing Kaklamanis, Annita Demetriou said that his first official visit to Cyprus, after his election to the presidency of the Hellenic Parliament, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus “entails high symbolism, but is also an act of fundamental political importance”, because “it demonstrates the unbreakable historical ties between Greece and Cyprus and expresses the will of our two states to maintain a solid common front of Athens and Nicosia.”

The House President noted that the Republic of Cyprus has gone through a difficult course, marked by the coup of the Greek junta and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. ‘Fifty-one years later,’ she went on to say, ‘the Cypriot people are experiencing the traumatic consequences of the continued occupation of over 36% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, the forcible displacement of one-third of the population from their ancestral homes, the flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, of our missing persons and their families, who are anxiously seeking information about their fate.’

‘The arrest, in mid-July, of five Greek Cypriots displaced by the illegal occupation regime when they wanted to visit their properties in their occupied village, constitutes a political act of intimidation and reprisals orchestrated by Turkey for the prosecution by the Republic of Cyprus of foreign usurpers of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas,’ she stressed, reiterating that their immediate release is the only way out.

Annita Demetriou expressed deep gratitude for Greece’s unwavering support and cooperation in the consistent and uninterrupted efforts made by the Greek Cypriot side to resolve the Cyprus problem and reunify the country and its people, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and European values and principles. ‘We, as the House of Representatives, particularly appreciate the support of the Hellenic Parliament in every initiative and action we take, which aims to condemn the lawlessness against Cyprus and to compel Turkey to comply with international law and its Cyprus-related obligations towards the European Union,’ she stressed.

At the same time, she assured that ‘despite the arrogance and intransigence of occupying Turkey, we remain firmly committed to the goal of resuming substantive negotiations, within the framework of the UN, to achieve a viable and functional solution, which will free Cyprus from anachronistic guarantees and occupation troops.’ ‘We cannot, under any circumstances, accept the Turkish side’s demand for a ‘two-state’ solution, which would constitute a legitimization of the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation. We seek a mutually beneficial solution, which will be a beacon of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in our wider region’, she underlined.

‘It is up to Turkey to decide whether it wants to be part of this equation’, Demetriou pointed out, adding that Turkey is moving in the opposite direction and is increasingly moving away from the fundamental principles and values of the European Union, which it aspires to join. ‘And while its degree of alignment with the European Union’s common foreign and security policy reaches only 5%, it claims its participation in the new European defense and security architecture’, she noted.

‘The international community’s response to Turkey’s beloved ‘gunboat diplomacy’ should certainly not be appeasement and the logic of double standards. The parallel between what happened in Cyprus and what is happening in Ukraine is obvious’, she pointed out.

Subsequently, the President of the Parliament said that ‘a country that maintains the threat of war against Greece, illegally occupies the territory of a member state of the European Union, attempts to create new faits accomplis within the buffer zone and in Famagusta and continues to violate the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus, brandishing the doctrine of the ‘Blue Homeland’, cannot have a role in the European defence and security architecture’.

‘The illegal Turkish-Libyan memorandum is another illustrative example of Turkish revisionism and blatant disregard for the rights deriving from the International Law of the Sea’, she noted.

‘Our neighbourhood is at the centre of major geopolitical turmoil and geostrategic confrontations that require vigilance, strategic planning and readiness. Greece and Cyprus are pillars of security and stability in a highly unstable region and have deservedly earned, as reliable partners, respect and trust internationally, a fact that is reflected in the building of solid alliances and strategic partnerships of mutual benefit with strong partners, always with respect for international law’, said Annita Demetriou.

‘However, the recognition, on the part of the international community, of the strategic value and contribution of Greece and Cyprus must be reflected primarily in practical solidarity against the Turkish threat, which our two countries face and which for Cyprus is clearly existential’, she stressed.

Referring to the current challenges facing Europe and the world, the House President pointed out that ‘no state can cope alone with the very difficult times we are going through.’ As she said, ‘collectivity and real solidarity are needed. Strong leadership and greater determination are needed to shield democracy against the rise of populism, extremism, hatred, disinformation and the undermining of democratic institutions. Greater social integration and participation are needed to regain the trust of the citizens we represent, especially young people,’ she added.

Referring to the upcoming assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus, Annita Demetriou said that ‘as the House of Representatives, we intend to respond in the best possible way to the promotion and support of the priorities and objectives of the Cyprus Presidency, highlighting the crucially important role of parliaments and the added value of parliamentary diplomacy in building a stronger, more resilient and even more democratic Union, which places the security and well-being of its citizens at the heart of its policies’.

‘The unbreakable fraternal bonds, the solidarity and the coexistence of Greece and Cyprus are reflected in the long-standing excellent cooperation between our two Parliaments, with a milestone in this cooperation being the publication of the ‘Cyprus File’, an extremely difficult undertaking, which contributes decisively to the goal of national self-awareness’, she stressed.

At the same time, she assured that the House of Representatives will continue to work to further strengthen and expand cooperation with the Hellenic Parliament at all levels. “A multi-level partnership, guided by the active participation of our parliaments in international and European affairs. A synergy, which will include joint initiatives and actions, aimed at promoting the well-intentioned interests of the two countries and at practical solidarity and support of the international community in defending the rights of Hellenism, on the basis of principles and as an indication of the significant contribution of Greece and Cyprus to the goal of regional peace and stability”, she underlined.

Addressing her Greek counterpart and referring to his long political career, Annita Demetriou said that she is well aware that Cyprus has always had a prominent position in his heart and was never absent from his actions.

Kaklamanis: There is no solution to the Cyprus problem without the withdrawal of occupying troops

—–

In his address, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, said that his vision is to see the Republic of Cyprus united again, for the benefit of all Cypriots.

‘In all the positions in which I have been elected by the Greek people, whether as a Member of Parliament since 1990, or as a Member of the European Parliament, or as Mayor of Athens, I have taken initiatives to highlight the Cyprus issue, which constitutes one of the most characteristic examples of a blatant violation of the principles and rules of International Law,’ he pointed out, adding that he will do the same in his capacity as President of the Hellenic Parliament, utilising all the possibilities that exist within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, in cooperation with his Cypriot counterpart, ‘to end the illegal occupation of Cyprus, to overturn the fait accompli of military violence, to restore international legitimacy.’

‘This constitutes a minimal debt for Greece and the political forces: a debt to all the fighters who fought for the independence of Cyprus, to all the heroes who defended the freedom of Cyprus and who resisted with unparalleled courage the numerically superior forces of Attila in the Turkish invasion of July-August 1974, under the unbearable burden of the criminal coup that preceded it,’ he stressed.

Since 1974, he continued, ‘successive governments of Greece and Cyprus have agreed that ending the illegal occupation is an entirely feasible goal, with the search for and achievement of a comprehensive, mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue, within the framework of negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General.’

‘The framework for the negotiations, of course, can only be the relevant binding Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,’ Nikitas Kaklamanis pointed out. At the same time, he noted that ‘Greece and Cyprus have made it clear that a solution to the Cyprus problem is not conceivable without the complete withdrawal of the illegal occupation troops and without the liberation of Cyprus from anachronistic systems of guarantees and rights of third-party intervention in Cypriot affairs.’

‘Nor, of course, is a solution conceivable without the unhindered implementation of the European acquis throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, a member state of the European Union for more than twenty years,’ he pointed out. ‘The European acquis constitutes, moreover, the best guarantee for the respect of the rights of our displaced Greek Cypriot brothers and their families, but also of all Cypriot citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians, Maronites and Latins’, he added.

‘It is a positive development that for the first time in 8 years some movement is being recorded on the Cyprus issue, at the initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the Republic of Cyprus’, he underlined.

‘The Cyprus issue is currently high on the agenda of the United Nations, while the European Union is also claiming a more active role, in all stages of the negotiation process for the resolution of the Cyprus issue, under the auspices of the United Nations’, he said.

‘The informal expanded meetings convened by Mr. Guterres in Geneva and New York, in March and July respectively, with the participation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey and the Deputy Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom are in principle a positive step,’ he said.

The President of the Hellenic Parliament expressed the hope that these meetings and the meetings subsequently planned by the United Nations can lead to the resumption of negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed United Nations framework. ‘This is in the interest of all Cypriots, including Turkish Cypriots,’ he noted.

‘Any insistence on demands for a two-state solution is against the framework of the United Nations, unacceptable and out of question,’ he stressed, adding that ‘actions such as the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens in the Turkish-occupied territories since July 19 do not contribute in any way to establishing a climate of trust between the two communities, as the Secretary-General of the United Nations seeks.’

Kaklamanis unequivocally condemned the illegal detention of Greek Cypriot citizens in the occupied territories and called for their unconditional release and return to their family homes.

He also assured that ‘in Greece, despite the prevailing climate of political acrimony, Cyprus is one of the few issues that unites all political forces within the Greek Parliament.’

Despite these challenges, he said, “the Republic of Cyprus has remained steadfast in its goal of resolving the Cyprus problem through negotiations within the framework of the United Nations.’

“Of course, we should not be under any illusions. The resolution of the Cyprus problem presupposes a change in Turkey’s stance”, which “requires, among other things, the constant awareness of the international community for the need to return to the negotiating table on the basis of the agreed framework of the United Nations”, Nikitas Kaklamanis pointed out.

What is certain, as he said, “is that in this great international cause of the resolution of the Cyprus problem, Greece supports the efforts of the Republic of Cyprus both through bilateral coordination and within the framework of the Security Council, as in the case of the final formulation and unanimous adoption of the most recent, resolution no. 2771/2025 Decision, but also in its other bilateral and multilateral contacts, as the restoration of the unity of the island is a duty of the entire international community’.

‘The bonds between Greece and Cyprus are indissoluble. We are connected by our history, our language, our religion, our common national struggles’, he stressed.

‘The close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus is today a valuable asset of stability, development and prosperity in this troubled corner of the planet and especially in this geopolitical context of multiple challenges’, said the President of the Hellenic Parliament.

‘Greece is Cyprus’s largest trading partner, while for Greece Cyprus is also one of its most important trading partners’, he noted. ‘The largest part of foreign direct investment in Cyprus comes from Greece. A significant part of Greek-owned commercial shipping flies the Cypriot flag,’ he said, adding that ‘our relations are constantly expanding and deepening.’

‘I recently had the pleasure of welcoming to the Hellenic Parliament the Rector of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens following the decision of the historic and largest University of Greece to open a Branch, faculties and departments in Nicosia and Larnaca, something that was made possible thanks to the support of you, the President and the Minister of Education of the Republic of Cyprus,’ he pointed out.

‘Our two countries also cooperate closely not only to further expand their bilateral relations, but also to jointly undertake initiatives with third countries to promote stability and development,’ said Nikitas Kaklamanis. He also stated that the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus is expanding at the parliamentary level, in a number of areas, noting that “the strengthening of the cooperation between the two Parliaments and their services is our long-standing mutual concern”.

At the same time, he assured that the Hellenic Parliament, its services and officials are committed to working tirelessly to intensify their cooperation with the House of Representatives.

He also said that within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, the Hellenic Parliament is willing to undertake, in cooperation with the House of Representatives, appropriate initiatives to highlight the Cyprus problem and the urgent need to resolve it.

The continuous awareness-raising of the international community is a powerful tool of support in this direction, he stressed.

Referring to the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, the President of the Parliament said that there cannot be – both in Cyprus and in Greece – a contemplation on the need for a just and sustainable solution for Cyprus and all Cypriot citizens, on the need to clarify the fate of the last of the remaining Greek and Greek Cypriot Missing Persons. At the same time, he pointed out that the anniversary of Cyprus’ independence is the anniversary of “a country that, despite the heavy blow of the Turkish invasion, is a pillar of stability in our wider region. A country that the events that followed the 1974 invasion did not stop the development and progress in the free part of the island, but, on the contrary, implemented the “Cyprus economic miracle” and is today an admirable pole of prosperity and development in the vital region of the Eastern Mediterranean. A country that is a member of the great European family and the eurozone that in 3 months will assume for the second time the increased responsibility of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union”.

Cyprus has been divided 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.

UNSG met with the two leaders President Christodoulides and T/c leader Ersin Tatar last week in New York city. A fresh meeting will probably take place in November. In the meantime his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected in Cyprus the next weeks to prepare the new meeting.

Cyprus will be at the heart of the global shipping industry from 6-8 October, as it hosts the Maritime Cyprus 2025 International Conference in Limassol under the theme ‘Unlocking the Future.of Shipping.’

Presenting the conference at a press briefing, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said the event comes at a crucial moment for the maritime sector, facing both challenges and opportunities. She stressed that the government is proud of a 36-year-old institution that has grown into one of the world’s leading shipping conferences.

‘This year, our aim was to enrich the conference further, both in terms of distinguished speakers and in the scope of topics, so that it fully reflects the modern challenges and opportunities of the industry,’ she said.

Hadjimanolis pointed out that shipping is a vital pillar of the Cypriot economy, requiring flexibility and innovation to remain competitive. She noted that government priorities include strengthening the Cyprus registry, attracting new ships and companies, simplifying procedures, enhancing safety and service quality, and embracing digital transformation. Investment in human capital, she added, is also key, through education and training of new seafarers and maritime professionals.

President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners Polys Hajioannou, said the conference is expected to attract a strong presence of foreign shipowners, particularly from Greece. He noted that this year’s discussions coincide with the upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting at the IMO, with shipowners seeking clarity on future fuel rules that have created uncertainty across the industry.

Meanwhile, Cyprus Shipping Chamber President Andreas Neophytou welcomed the conference as one of the sector’s leading global gatherings. Since 1989, he said, Maritime Cyprus has become a world-renowned institution thanks to close cooperation between government, the shipping administration, and industry stakeholders. He highlighted that the event takes place as shipping grapples with major challenges, especially decarbonisation, which will reshape shipbuilding technologies, fuels, and operational practices.

According to Christiana Patsiou, Acting Director of the Shipping Cluster Development and Competitiveness Directorate, more than 900 delegates from 35 countries and over 40 speakers will take part. A Shipping Services Exhibition with more than 40 exhibitors from Cyprus and abroad will also run alongside the event.

In the opening ceremony on Monday, 6 October, President Nikos Christodoulides, will present the Cyprus Shipping Award. Attendees will include the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, EU Commissioners, and leaders of major shipping associations such as ECSA and BIMCO, as well as foreign ministers.

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides has said that the UN Secretary General has demonstrated his political will by convening the trilateral meeting that took place last week in New York.

UNSG met with the two leaders President Christodoulides and T/c leader Ersin Tatar last week in New York city. A new meeting will probably take place in November. In the meantime, his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected in Cyprus the next weeks to prepare the new meeting.

In statements to the media in Limassol, before attending a meeting of the European Investment Bank, and replying to questions, the President stressed that taking into account the developments and the voting process for a new leader of the Turkish Cypriot community in the Turkish occupied territories of Cyprus (to take place in October) the meeting in New York could not have led to an outcome.

However, he noted that it is important that the UN Secretary General, “nevertheless, although he was aware of this fact, proceeded with the organisation of this meeting, demonstrating thus his political will, something that he mentioned in his introductory comments”.

President Christodoulides said that they expect that afterwards the UNSG’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin, will visit Cyprus, as the UN Secretary General himself had told them.

“It was something that we also requested, and that she visit both the guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey, UK) and Brussels, so that the ground can be prepared for the meeting (informal meeting on broader format) before the end of the year, with the sole objective, to enter to the essence of the Cyprus problem, which is the resumption of talks”, he underlined.

Meanwhile, invited to comment on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during their informal trilateral meeting in New York last week, had not said that the Cyprus talks would resume from the point where they had been interrupted in Crans-Montana, in 2017, the President of the Republic said that “I heard the statements of Mr. Tatar and all those on the Greek Cypriot side who consciously choose to believe Mr. Tatar and not the President of the Republic of Cyprus”.

Fortunately, he added, there were six people at the meeting. “I was not alone, I was accompanied by the Negotiator and the Permanent Representative”, he said.

Asked whether this should had been mentioned in the UN Secretary General’s press release, the President of the Republic said that it was a general announcement and reiterated that “we were not alone at the meeting and I am surprised, not by what Mr. Tatar says, because I did not expect him to say anything different, but by those on the Greek Cypriot side who choose to believe Mr. Tatar and not the President of the Republic of Cyprus. I repeat, it was a meeting in the presence of others.”

Cyprus has been divided 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.

The ninth Ocean State Report, published today by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service of the EU’s Earth Observation System, was presented by the European Commission, with Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, underlining that “the data is the basis for action” and that “now we have the tools to transform observation into solutions”.

The report reveals the critical state of oceans, as every corner is now threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The findings are alarming, confirming that ocean health is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Key observations include global sea temperatures reached a record high of 21°C, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems.

Marine heatwaves in 2023 and 2024 saw ocean temperatures exceed previous records by over 0.25°C, threatening fisheries and coastal economies. Meanwhile, sea levels have risen by 228 millimeters since 1901, putting 200 million Europeans in coastal areas at risk, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

During the 2023 Mediterranean heatwave, rising temperatures facilitated the spread of invasive species such as the Atlantic Blue Crab and Bearded Fireworm, pushing local fisheries to the brink of collapse. Additionally, Arctic sea ice recorded four consecutive all-time lows between December 2024 and March 2025, losing an area nearly twice the size of Portugal.

Commissioner Kadis, commenting on the report’s findings, stated: “The conclusions of the Ocean State Report reveal a difficult but essential diagnosis. The triple planetary crisis-climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution-is no longer a future threat but a present reality in our ocean basins.”

“This means we have taken the first necessary steps, as data is the foundation of effective action. In line with the Ocean Pact’s Ocean Observation Initiative, we are leveraging the power of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean-a cutting-edge tool built on marine data from Copernicus Marine and EMODnet-to transform data into predictability, allowing us to move from observation to solution,” Kadis added.

The Commissioner highlighted that “now we can simulate the spread of invasive species, forecast the impact of heatwaves on fish stocks, and test the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) before implementing them. These tools are crucial for a resilient and sustainable blue economy,” he added. “The ocean is sending us a clear signal; we are now better equipped to answer it,” Commissioner Kadis concluded.

On his behalf, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized the importance of the Copernicus system as the world’s leading Earth observation tool, stating: “As an owner of Copernicus, the most unique Earth observation system, the Union is able to monitor the state of the Earth’s environment and its subsystems. The Copernicus infrastructure and services constitute a world-class capacity allowing the Union to have a leading role in observing and forecasting different ocean state parameters.”

Mr. Kubilius also highlighted that “the Commission is committed to the continuity and evolution of Copernicus, ensuring that Europe’s Earth observing capacity is all-encompassing, bringing together public and private actors and capacities alike. The space economy is all about unleashing the power of space systems and services to offer solutions in different policies and market sectors.”

Cyprus has been ranked second in Europe for improving its air connectivity between 2019 and 2025, according to the June 2025 report of the Aviation Council International, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said on Monday.

Speaking at an event in Larnaca Castle to mark World Tourism Day, Koumis said that Cyprus continues to record positive results in tourist arrivals and revenues, while the sector leaves ‘a positive footprint on local businesses – a factor of particular importance for the government.’

He noted that promising signs are emerging from special forms of tourism and from off-peak months, which are showing marked improvement in arrivals and revenue. Extending the tourism season, he stressed, is key to achieving year-round tourism.

This year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ highlights the need for a universal shift toward sustainability, Koumis said. He warned that the effects of climate change are felt more acutely in the Mediterranean, where temperatures are rising 20% faster than in other regions, making adaptation harder for countries like Cyprus.

‘Our responsibility is greater, and so is the need to join forces between the public, semi-public, and private sectors,’ he said. Tourism, he added, must evolve into a sustainable model, requiring a change in mindset, investment in knowledge, and institutional reforms where needed.

Koumis outlined the ministry’s priorities, including strengthening individual destinations and infrastructure, enhancing hospitality in rural and mountain areas, upgrading training programs, and investing in sustainability and digital transformation. Artificial intelligence, he noted, will increasingly shape the industry, with the ministry already planning joint initiatives with the Deputy Ministry of Research and Innovation.

Koumis also announced a new project with the Cyprus University of Technology to document the history of Cyprus tourism. Through academic research, interviews, and historical data, the initiative aims to highlight how the past can guide the sector’s future development.

‘Despite the many adversities of the past three years, Cyprus tourism has not only returned to strong performance levels but stabilized them,’ Koumis said.

He noted that the main responsibility now lies in ensuring a smooth transition to the next phase of tourism, guided by the principles of sustainability, respect for the environment, and sound economic management.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, is to participate in the informal European Council which will be held on October 1 and 2 in Copenhagen, where he is to hold a series of meetings, among others, with Switzerland’s President, the NATO Secretary-General and Denmark’s Prime Minister.

In a written statement, the Director of the resident’s Press Office, Viktoras Papadopoulos, notes that, early in the afternoon of October 1, President Christodoulides will participate in the Council meeting, about EU Security and Defence, while later he will take part in the discussion on the situation in Ukraine.

In the evening, President Christodoulides is to attend the dinner hosted by the Danish royal couple in honour of the leaders of the states participating in the European Political Community.

On October 2, the President of the Republic will participate in the Plenary of the European Political Community, and in the debate on economic security.

Later on, President Christodoulides is to hold separate bilateral meetings with the President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as well as with Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

He will then attend the closing proceedings of the Plenary.

On Friday, October 3, in the morning, President Christodoulides will have a meeting with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries.

The President will be accompanied in Copenhagen by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, the Director of the Presidential Press Office and other officials.

Cyprus has welcomed US President, Donald Trump’s proposal, as a vital step to end to the war in Gaza, release of all hostages and secure humanitarian aid in massive scale.

“It is critical for all parties to accept its parameters as the way forward. We reaffirm the urgency of lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike, based on the two-state solution”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.

Cyprus commends the US’ leadership and mediating efforts, pointing out that, as part of the region, it will continue to responsibly support all diplomatic efforts to this end, the MFA added.

?he military parade as part of the celebrations for the 65th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus, is to take place at 9am on Wednesday, October 1, in Nicosia.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Defence, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will take the salute, in the presence of the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, and the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas.

According to the announcement, the parade will be held on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with the participation of various units and aircraft of the National Guard, the Cyprus Police, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence, the Department of Forests and the Public Health Services.

Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of foreign countries and other officials will also attend the military parade which is open to the public, it said.

The parade will begin with a 21-gun salute, it said.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister. Constantinos Kombos, is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to participate in the “Munich Leaders Meeting”, which is co-organized with the Munich Security Conference from September 30 to October 2, in the city of AlUla.

A press release issued by the Foreign Ministry said that Kombos’ participation in the Conference is taking place at the invitation of Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Conference takes place at a critical time with growing challenges for the international community, as well as the escalation of tensions, which undermine stability and threaten international peace and security, the MFA noted.

During the conference, the participants are expected to exchange views on the most important issues and threats to regional and international security and stability. Special emphasis will also be placed on highlighting prospects for joint cooperation in key areas, such as energy security and the stability of the global economy, the press release added.

On the sidelines of the conference, Cyprus Minister will have contacts with his counterparts, as well as with other officials, it concluded.

The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, briefed the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday about the challenges facing the production and trade of halloumi PDO, the checks carried out so far, and the government’s support measures for producers.

Panayiotou said that in 2025 to date, the Competent Authority has conducted nine inspections with nine samples, while the Control Body carried out 11 inspections with 22 samples. These checks identified two cases of non-compliance by the Control Body and one by the Competent Authority. As a result, batches were seized and relabelled to ensure they would not be sold as PDO halloumi.

On export checks, she said that up to 19 September, 250 administrative controls of halloumi PDO exports had been carried out, with six complaints submitted in four countries through the EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (iRasff).

The Minister highlighted the creation in autumn 2024 of an Interdepartmental Committee on halloumi, bringing together all relevant authorities for the first time to coordinate exports. This committee has drawn up a roadmap to address problems in marketing halloumi PDO and is already active at both European and international level. It has identified target markets such as Australia, the UAE and Japan, aiming to include halloumi PDO in trade agreements. Panayiotou added that she personally raised producers’ concerns with her UK counterpart regarding difficulties linked to Brexit.

She stressed that strict checks are applied at every stage, from dairies to retail and exports, with close cooperation between the Agriculture Ministry, the Ministry of Commerce, the Health Services and the State General Laboratory, as well as with European partners to combat imitation products. Since October 2024, dairies have been required to record milk quantities through software, ensuring transparency in sheep and goat milk use.

Panayiotou also outlined support measures for livestock farmers, acknowledging the pressures of rising production costs. These include a pound 30 million investment programme for goat and sheep farming, launched in June 2025, as well as more attractive headage subsidies linked to productivity, with a pound 4 million annual budget. For 2025, two subsidy categories apply based on milk yields, with a transition to a single scheme by 2026-27.

Additionally, she referred to a plan to allocate 26 state-owned plots for large-scale livestock units, offering investment subsidies of up to pound 600,000. Fifteen applications have been received so far, while 25 livestock plots have already been granted.