Category: Cyprus News Agency

Opening remarks of the Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus at the 13th Banking, Payments and Fintech Forum and EXPO, 19 January 2026, Hilton Nicosia Hotel

Monday, 19 January 2026

For the Governor’s opening remarks please click here.

The strengthening of Cyprus-Egypt cooperation, with a focus on energy and regional coordination, was at the centre of the visit that Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos paid to Cairo, during his first bilateral visit for 2026. Kombos also took part in the Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kombos, who flew to Egypt on Saturday, held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty. Discussions focused on further enhancing bilateral relations within the framework of the Cyprus-Egypt strategic partnership, preparations for the next Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit, expected to take place in Cyprus in 2026, as well as cooperation in the energy sector.

Kombos briefed his Egyptian counterpart on the priorities of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the current semester and on developments in the Cyprus problem. Views were also exchanged on EU-Egypt relations and on broader regional developments.

Within the framework of the Trilateral Meeting of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, the three Foreign Ministers discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and coordination in areas of common interest, ahead of the 11th Trilateral Summit at Leaders’ level, which is expected to be hosted by Cyprus in 2026. The Ministers also exchanged views on current regional developments, with a focus on the Middle East, as well as on issues related to EU-Egypt relations.

Following the conclusion of the trilateral meeting, the Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said that trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, since the inaugural summit in Cairo in 2014, ‘has proven its strength and resilience,’ adding that it ‘has become a model for similar cooperative initiatives in our region.’

‘The cooperation is deeply rooted in the history of our neighbouring countries, actively shapes the present and is particularly promising for the future,’ Gerapetritis noted, stressing that a critical factor for the success of the trilateral partnership is the shared understanding of regional and international relations among the three countries.

He also underlined that the commitment to international law was reaffirmed, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

‘We favour diplomacy over war and promote stability in the region instead of chaos. We believe in cooperation and understanding, avoiding hatred and division. We envision the Mediterranean not as a region condemned to conflict, but as a region of peaceful coexistence for all its peoples and future generations,’ Gerapetritis said.

During the meeting, discussions focused on developments in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Gaza and the West Bank, as well as on Syria, Yemen, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Iran and Libya.

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 Construction Materials Price Index recorded an annual increase of 1.54% in December 2025, compared with the corresponding month of 2024, according to data released on Monday by the Statistical Service.

On a monthly basis, the index stood at 118.74 points (with 2021=100), posting a marginal rise of 0.10%, compared with November 2025.

By main product category, increases were recorded in minerals (up 3.38%), mineral products (up 2.62%), electromechanical items (up 2.23%), and wood products, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics (up 1.33%). In contrast, prices of metal products declined by 0.54%.

Cypriot MEP, Geadis Geadi (ELAM – ECR) raised on Monday, at the European Parliament Plenary Session in Strasbourg, the issue of incidents against Greek Cypriot farmers by Turkish soldiers in the Buffer Zone.

He said that the incidents took place the village of Denia and then in the village of Mammari, where Turkish soldiers and the occupation authorities threw stones at farmers. ‘It was fortunate that there were no deaths,’ he said.

‘In the village of Avlona, they advanced into the buffer zone,’ he added. Geadis stressed the need for an immediate reaction from the European Parliament, saying that ‘I have called for the adoption of a condemnation resolution in the February Plenary and I hope that everyone will rise to the occasion before we have to mourn the victims,’ while calling for support from all political groups.

‘Greenland is not for sale, as the president [Roberta Metsola] said, and we must send the same message that Cyprus is not for sale either,’ he concluded.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will be addressing the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg on Tuesday, presenting the Cyprus EU Council Presidency priorities.

European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, will greet President Christodoulides upon his arrival at the European Parliament, and they will have a bilateral meeting at 10:00 local time, according to her agenda.

The President will then address the European Parliament plenary and will present to MEPs the Cyprus Presidency’s priorities.

Presidents Metsola and Christodoulides will then give a press conference.

During his visit, President Christodoulides will also inaugurate a photographic exhibition of the Press and Information Office at the European Parliament.

Our goal is, through specific actions, to achieve water security in our country, Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, said Monday at the inauguration ceremony of “Cleo” and “Erato”, two GLS-type water tanks of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation, with a total capacity of 17,200 cubic meters.

Referring to the implementation of water projects for the period 2024-2030 exceeding 200 million euros, President Christodoulides also pointed out the need to develop water awareness, noting that water consumption in Cyprus is one of the highest among EU member states, with some areas exceeding 500 liters per person per day.

Present at the ceremony was Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou.

In his speech, President Christodoulides noted that this project was of ‘decisive strategic importance’ for Nicosia, noting that now, the capital city’s water sufficiency ‘increases substantially, covering needs for more than 36 hours even in the event of a water supply interruption’.

According to President Christodoulides, the two reservoirs ‘significantly enhance the ability to store and safely supply water to an area with very increased needs’.

He noted that Cyprus, as an island state, ‘is located in one of the most affected regions of the planet in terms of the impacts of the climate crisis.’ He said that scientific studies, ‘have shown that our region is recording an increase in average temperature at a faster rate than the global average, while since the mid-1990s there has been a steady decrease in average annual rainfall in our country, between 10% and 15% compared to the 20th century.’

‘Periods of drought are more frequent,’ he said, noting that the 2024-2025 water year is among the driest for Cyprus since 1902. Based on these ‘negative data’, he added, water management is high on the Government’s priorities, while water security has been included in the main priorities of Cyprus’ EU Presidency.

‘Our goal is, through specific actions, to achieve water security in our country,’ he said. ‘First, by increasing the available quantity of water through unconventional sources. Second, the improvement and expansion of storage and transportation infrastructure. And third, the reduction of demand,’ he added.

In relation to the increase in the available quantities of water through unconventional sources, he said the Government is mainly investing in mobile and small desalination plants.

‘With the completion of these projects, we estimate that approximately 80% of water supply needs will be covered with desalinated water, with the help, and I want to thank them publicly, of the United Arab Emirates, with whom we are in dialogue,’ he said. Soon, he added, the Minister of Agriculture, together with other Ministers, would travel to there ‘to continue this cooperation in relation to the water security goal’.

President Christodoulides also said that for the 2024-2030 period, they are proceeding with the implementation of water projects amounting to over 200 million euros. ‘This is the largest investment ever made in this sector, with the aim of reducing losses,’ the maintenance and modernisation of the network, he said, noting that in some areas 40% water loss is recorded.

The third pillar is water awareness, he said. According to President Christodoulides, water consumption in Cyprus ‘is one of the highest in Europe among all the member states of the European Union with some areas, exceeding 500 liters per person per day’. A rate that is particularly high and cannot be justified, he noted.

He noted that, consumption, in addition to the other problems it creates, has direct impact on the primary sector, ‘on our farmers, and within this framework we all have an obligation’, referring to the goal for a 10% reduction in water consumption.

President of the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, in his speech, said the ‘Cleo’ and ‘Erato’ water reservoirs were a ‘strategic infrastructure’ critical to water security. He emphasised that amid climate change, prolonged drought, and rising demand, the creation of water reserves and the reduction of network losses were an obligation, not a choice. The organisation’s objective, he said, is clear: no community, household, school, or business should be deprived of access to water. Projects such as Cleo and Erato aim to ensure the adequacy, stability, and quality of water supply, he said, adding that a holistic network management, the integration of suburban areas with the urban network, and strengthened infrastructure, was a priority.

He also thanked President Christodoulides for his intervention regarding the Mia Milia Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring its operation until 2032, and noted the UN-announced tender for sewage and treated water pipelines.

The two reservoirs, with a total capacity of 17,200 cubic meters, use innovative glass-lined steel technology, offering durability, flexibility, low maintenance, and thermal insulation. The pound 2.13 million project was financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

The President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, sent letters of condolence to the President of the Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol Socias and to the President of the Senate of Spain, Pedro Rollán, following the train accident in which at least 39 people perished.

According to a statement by the Parliament, Demetriou said that with deep sorrow she was informed of the tragic accident that resulted in the loss of lives and the injury of many people.

The President of the House expresses her sincere condolences and those of all the Members of the Parliament to the families of the victims and the wish for a speedy recovery of the injured.

Demetriou conveyed a message of unwavering support and solidarity to the political leadership and the people of Spain in these very difficult times.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides on Monday said he held an extensive telephone conversation on Sunday afternoon with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, on the issue of Greenland and the ongoing discussions between Denmark and the United States. He said he expects that EU decisions on the matter would be taken at the extraordinary European Council that has been convened for Thursday.

Responding to a journalist’s question upon his arrival at an event in Nicosia, as to whether discussions within the EU on possible countermeasures against the United States over Greenland put the Cyprus EU Presidency in a difficult position, given its strategic relationship with Washington, the President said that ‘the role of the Presidency is to deal with both easy and difficult matters, with both positive and negative issues. In this case as well, we will respond in line with our institutional role’.

He stressed that the position of the Republic of Cyprus on territorial integrity and state sovereignty ‘is non-negotiable and applies in the present situation as well’. He noted that, to date, no decision has been taken.

He said that Nicosia convened on Sunday afternoon a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives where a first exchange of views took place, while an extraordinary European Council has been convened for Thursday at 19.00. ‘I will be there with my counterparts; we will discuss the matter, and we will take the necessary decisions as the EU,’ he said.

He also underlined that, on all issues, the position of the Republic of Cyprus is that ‘we must allow diplomacy to deliver results and then, depending on developments and outcomes’, take the appropriate decisions.

He nevertheless assessed that the convening of an extraordinary European Council, particularly with physical presence rather than via teleconference as has often occurred in previous cases, ‘demonstrates the seriousness of the issue for the EU’.

President Christodoulides added that the Prime Minister of Denmark contacted him by telephone at 18.00 on Sunday. ‘We had an extensive discussion on developments and on the discussions taking place between Denmark and the United States,’ he said.

He noted that there is also ‘the aspect – whether in quotation marks or not – of NATO’s involvement. There are several issues that we will discuss on Thursday, and any decisions taken will be announced’.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 19/01/2026 UNTIL 1200 20/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1022hPa (hectopascal)

A cold air mass is affecting the area. In the evening, locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times with the risk of isolated showers. Tonight and tomorrow morning, the weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 18°C

Warnings: NIL

Time of issue: 1130

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northeast to East 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4 Slight

South Coast

Afternoon North to Northeast 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4 Slight

Morning North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

East Coast

Afternoon North to Northeast 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally North to Northeast Slight

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally North to Northeast 4 Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4 Slight

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 19/01/2026 UNTIL 1800 20/01/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1021hPa (hectopascal)

A cold air mass is affecting the area. Tonight, locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times with the risk of isolated showers.Tomorrow, the weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 18°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4

Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

Morning

North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Afternoon

North to Northeast 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight

East Coast

Night

Northwest to North 3 to 4, locally North to Northeast

Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally North to Northeast 4

Slight

Afternoon

North to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Slight

North Coast

Night

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate