Category: Cyprus News Agency

Statement by President von der Leyen with Brazilian President Lula da Silva

Dear President Lula,

You know I am always happy to come to Brazil. But today feels truly special. Because I know that between us, between our regions and our people, the best is yet to come. Tomorrow we will sign the EU-Mercosur agreement. But before that it was important for me to meet with you, President Lula.

For more than two decades, countless negotiators and their leaders worked on the EU-Mercosur agreement. It was 25 years in the making. And now we concluded it. It is the achievement of a generation. But the political leadership, personal commitment and passion that you have shown in the last weeks and months, dear Lula, are truly second to none. So, muito obrigada for your skilful steer throughout the negotiations. And for delivering this historic agreement. And I also want to thank all the negotiators for their exceptional work over so many years.

The EU-Mercosur agreement sends a powerful message. It says: welcome to the world’s biggest market and largest free trade zone on the planet. This is the power of partnership and openness. This is the power of friendship and understanding between peoples and regions across oceans. And this is how we create real prosperity – prosperity that is shared. Because, we agree, that international trade is not a zero-sum game. We are convinced, everyone can and must benefit – in terms of new jobs on both sides, better opportunities for our people and the business sector, and thus higher income. We want a world that is running on trust and teamwork. This is Europe’s ambition. And I know this is yours too.

Dear Lula, you are a leader deeply committed to the values we hold dear. Democracy, a rules-based international order, and respect. Respect for our planet, for communities, and for fellow nations. This is the leadership we need in today’s world.

Next year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership with Brazil. So this agreement could not be more timely. It will multiply opportunities like never before. With mutual access to strategic markets. Clear, predictable rules. Common standards. And supply chains that become highways for investments. To me, that is the essence of rules-based trade. But our work goes on. The signature tomorrow will be only a first step. The next chapters are still to be written. The whole story will only be a complete success when people and businesses can feel the benefits of our agreement. And this should happen fast. When we deliver, on the EU-Mercosur agreement, this will be a success story written story by 700 million people.

Dear Lula,

I also welcome that Europe and Brazil are moving toward a very important political agreement on critical raw materials. It will frame our cooperation on joint investment projects in lithium, nickel and rare earths. This is key for our digital and clean transitions. And also, for our strategic independence in a world where minerals tend to become an instrument of coercion. Europe’s offer will always be different. We will always abide by the highest standards. In terms of transparency. In terms of respect for the environment. And we will always make sure that local communities are the main beneficiaries of the value created. So: everyone benefits. It is a true win-win. Because this is Europe’s way of doing business.

Obrigada, Amigo. And as I said: U melhior sta para vir.

Former President of the Republic George Vassiliou was laid to rest on Saturday at Aglantzia Municipal Cemetery following a state funeral conducted with the honors accorded to a serving head of state.

The burial followed a funeral service at the Church of Holy Wisdom in Strovolos. Earlier in the day, Vassiliou’s body was transferred to the church on a gun carriage, accompanied by the Police Philharmonic Band. The family received condolences before the service began. As the coffin departed the church, the band played mournful marches and those present applauded in a prolonged gesture of respect.

The family followed the coffin in visible emotion. Vassiliou’s widow, Androulla Vassiliou, was supported by their son, Evelthon, as the cortege formed for the final journey. Immediately behind them walked President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides, alongside the full Cabinet and Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis. The procession then proceeded to Aglantzia, where the burial was accompanied by honorary volleys.

Senior officials and guests attended the farewell, reflecting the head-of-state honors accorded to the late leader. Greece was represented by Foreign Minister Gerapetritis, who delivered a eulogy. Tributes were also delivered by President Christodoulides, University of Cyprus Rector Tasos Christofides, Michalis Papapetrou on behalf of Vassiliou’s associates, and Vassiliou’s son, Evelthon. A condolence message from former Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci was conveyed through an associate.

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman visited the Church of Agia Sophia (Tou Theou Sofia) on Saturday morning to offer condolences to the family of former President George Vassiliou. Former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat also attended the church to convey his sympathies.

In his eulogy, President Christodoulides described Vassiliou as ‘a distinguished, virtuous, and beneficial man-cosmopolitan and universal,’ and said that ‘today we bid farewell to Giorgos Vassiliou.’ He emphasized the former president’s lifelong priority of reaching a settlement to the Cyprus problem and achieving the reunification of the island. He also noted Vassiliou’s modernising reforms and his decisive role in Cyprus’ European course, including through the accession negotiations.

Speaking on behalf of Greece, Gerapetritis paid tribute to Vassiliou as ‘a pragmatist’ who helped lay the foundations of modern Cyprus, praising his calm temperament, conciliatory spirit, and personal integrity. He said Vassiliou ‘set the foundations for the Cyprus of the 21st century,’ highlighting his role in establishing the University of Cyprus as a landmark in the island’s educational tradition. On the Cyprus problem, Gerapetritis recalled Vassiliou’s commitment to international law and to engaging the international community, saying Cyprus continues the late leader’s ‘just struggle’ in alignment with Greece. He described Vassiliou’s contribution to Cyprus’s accession to the European Union-leading the negotiating team-as the ‘opus magnum’ of his public life, noting that Cyprus was technically prepared by the time the political process concluded.

Other speakers reflected on the late president’s public service and personal character. Papapetrou, former Government Spokesperson and a close associate, described Vassiliou’s death as a major national loss, recalling a leader who remained accessible and pursued modernisation, including by confronting clientelism and promoting rational public administration, while keeping reunification as a strategic compass. Rector Christofides called him the ‘political founder’ of the University of Cyprus, praising his decisiveness in creating a public university and his insistence on academic autonomy protected from partisan dependence.

Evelthon Vassiliou, speaking on behalf of the family, blended personal memories with public milestones. He recalled a father who made time for his children, ‘saw the future and built on it,’ and believed Cypriots could only be secure through reconciliation. He also underlined what he called his father’s defining respect for people across society and his early, instinctive belief in gender equality.

A condolence message from Mustafa Akinci was read during the service by his associate, Meltem Onurkan Samani. Before reading the message, she shared an anecdote about Vassiliou’s support for bicommunal dialogue initiatives even in difficult periods, stressing that ‘peace cannot wait for perfect political conditions’ but must be ‘nurtured, protected, and built, even when the atmosphere is hostile.’ She summarised his political lesson in two lines: ‘Dialogue is not weakness, but responsibility,’ and Cyprus can only move forward through ‘compromise, dignity, and reconciliation.’ In Akinci’s message, Vassiliou was described as one of the few political figures ‘genuinely committed to a reasonable and viable solution,’ who continued working for reunification within a mutually acceptable federal framework.

Emotion had already been palpable on Friday during a public viewing at the same church, when people of all ages-colleagues and ordinary citizens-arrived to pay their respects, leaving flowers and messages in the condolence book. Androulla Vassiliou, grief-stricken but proud, spoke of her husband’s legacy and said he died with an enduring longing for reunification, expressing hope that the democratic principles and unity he championed would not be lost.

George Vassiliou, the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, died aged 94 late on Tuesday.

The casket carrying the body of former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Giorgos Vassiliou, who died on Wednesday at the age of 94, arrived this morning at the Church of Holy Wisdom, in Strovolos, Nicosia, covered with the flag of Cyprus.

The state funeral will be held later on Saturday, with honours of a sitting President.

Upon the arrival of the body at the church, the Police Philharmonic played mournful marches, while a military band paid tribute. The National Anthem was then played.

The casket, draped in the flag of the Republic of Cyprus, was carried to the church on a gun carriage and was later transferred inside on the shoulders of eight constables. The coffin was followed by his wife, Androulla Vassiliou and other family members of the deceased until it was placed inside the church.

Currently, the family of the deceased is receiving condolences.

The funeral, which will be attended by the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and the entire Cabinet, will begin at 13:00. The Greek Government will be represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, described the third President of Cyprus, George Vassiliou, as a distinguished, virtuous and beneficial man, a cosmopolitan and universal figure, free by nature, non-dogmatic and consistent with his beliefs, delivering a eulogy in his funeral at the Holy Wisdom Church, in Nicosia, on Saturday.

‘Today we bid farewell to George Vassiliou, the third President of the Republic of Cyprus, the protagonist of a long journey of more than nine decades, filled with events that shaped the modern history of our homeland, of Greece, and of Europe,’ President Christodoulides said.

As he noted, Vassiliou’s journey began in Famagusta in 1931 and continued through Lesvos, Budapest, Geneva, Vienna, London, Nicosia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other countries. He observed that ‘all these unique experiences and life events shaped Vassiliou as a person, as an economist, as a technocrat, and as a politician. Whatever role he assumed, he never forgot that the essence of life lies in the simple and everyday things, as defined by people’s value systems and needs, regardless of color, race, religion, ideology, party preference, or social background.’

President Christodoulides continued by noting that this characteristic made him ‘cosmopolitan and universal,’ allowing him to feel at ease in any environment, anywhere in the world, and with any person. ‘His sound judgment and quick wit were the key to everything else he encountered and confronted throughout his long life, above all, his ability to perceive, synthesize, decide, and implement in an innovative manner, often ahead of his time,’ he said.

He emphasized that, without a doubt, Vassiliou’s foremost priority was the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of Cyprus for the benefit of all its lawful citizens, and that he worked sincerely and tirelessly, with genuine political will, to achieve this goal. ‘Unfortunately, however, he departed this life with the longing for the reunification of our homeland unfulfilled, a longing that tormented him until the very end,’ he said.

He added that Vassiliou’s contribution to the modernization of the state was immense and decisive, through important reforms he dared to promote, such as tax reform, structural changes in public administration, the establishment of the first public university, and the creation of conditions in which every citizen could express themselves freely, without concern or fear regarding their political beliefs.

‘The changes he promoted in our country contributed decisively to its economic and social development, as well as to the sustainability and modernization of the Cypriot state. We all ought to acknowledge George Vassiliou’s determination and courage in implementing significant changes that our country needed, despite reactions from those who preferred the easy path of inertia and stagnation,’ the President stated.

He also noted that Vassiliou’s contribution to Cyprus’ accession to the European Union was crucial, both as President of the Republic – as the application for accession was submitted during his term – and later as head of the accession negotiation team. Moreover, he added, as early as 1969, George Vassiliou was among the first to highlight the prospects and importance of linking Cyprus with the then European Economic Community.

‘Free by nature, non-dogmatic and consistent with his beliefs, George Vassiliou willingly assumed the heavy responsibility of the accession negotiations, which were generously entrusted to him by his successor, the late President Glafcos Clerides. With methodical work, diligence, and a deep conviction that the future of Cyprus lies in a united Europe, George Vassiliou effectively led this successful national effort, which rendered the Republic of Cyprus a full and equal member of the European Union,’ he underlined.

Finally, the President stressed the universal recognition of Vassiliou’s contribution by people and leadership alike, in Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Europe as a whole, the countries of the Middle East and Africa, the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, and every other country he passed through.

‘I have the privilege of bidding you farewell on behalf of the Cypriot State and of saying the painful ‘final goodbye,’ together with the gratitude that will forever accompany your memory, as a distinguished, virtuous, and beneficial man, who elevated our country and led it forward,’ he concluded.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 17/01/2026

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 16/01/2026 UNTIL 1200 17/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1023hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. Increased cloud coverage is expected to give isolated showers, mainly west and the north coasts.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Pavlos Kontides, Elena Kulichenko, Paphos FC and Olympiada Neapolis were named the top performers of the year for 2025 at the 53rd Awards of the Cyprus Sports Writers Association (EAK), held on Thursday night, January 15, 2026, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

According to a press release issued by the Association, it is the second consecutive year that the same protagonists have topped the four categories, having also claimed first place in 2024.

The 53rd Awards, dedicated to Cyprus’ hosting of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 and the legacy it left on the island, were held under the auspices of the Cyprus Sports Organisation.

For 2025, the Merit Award was presented to the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF) and the Organising Committee of FIBA EuroBasket 2025, ‘as a result of the excellent organisation of Group C, earning plaudits and proving that small Cyprus can successfully deliver major sporting events,’ the press release said.

The award was received by CBF President Andreas Mouzouridis, Organising Committee Chairman Markos Clerides and OC Director Athos Antoniou.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 16/01/2026 UNTIL 1800 17/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1020hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. Increased cloud coverage is expected to give isolated showers, mainly west and the north coasts.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, later Southwest to Northwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, later Variable 3

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, later Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4, later North to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, later Northeast to Southeast

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to Southeast 3, later North to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight, later Slight

North Coast

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to South 3, later Southwest to West 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Variable 3, later Northeast to East 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

The Ministry of Defence has welcomed the approval by the European Commission of Cyprus’ plan for the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation, stressing that its successful participation confirms the commitment of the Ministry to upgrade, strengthen and expand the capabilities of the National Guard.

In a press release, the Ministry says that the European Commission approved on January 15, the investment plan of the Republic of Cyprus, amounting to 1.18 billion euro, in the framework of the implementation of the SAFE Regulation. The investment project is among the first 8, which were approved with the first batch, while the remaining 11 are expected to be approved in the next period with the second and third batch.

It notes that based on the provisions of the SAFE Regulation, the European Commission will directly forward to the Council proposals for executive decisions, separately for each country. The Council must then proceed with the adoption of these decisions within four weeks and immediately after, the lending agreement should be concluded, while at the same time, the necessary implementation processes of the Programs included in the investment plan are carried out at an intensive pace.

“The successful participation in the SAFE Regulation confirms the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to upgrade, strengthen and expand the capabilities of the National Guard in order to further strengthen the defence and deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus” it is noted.

The Ministry of Defence says that it will continue to make every effort both to continue the work related to the implementation of the SAFE Regulation, and to strengthen the defence capacity of the Republic of Cyprus.

Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reaffirmed on Friday that Cyprus remains a core and enduring priority of Greek foreign policy, stressing Athens’ full political and diplomatic backing for the Republic of Cyprus at a time when, he said, it is facing hybrid threats.

Speaking in the Hellenic Parliament, Gerapetritis said Greece ‘stands firmly alongside Cyprus,’ underscoring that support for the island has never wavered and will not be compromised. He noted that Athens continues to actively back United Nations-led efforts for a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN Security Council resolutions.

‘Cyprus has always been the most important pillar of our foreign policy. It is an immediate and major national priority, and it will never be abandoned,’ Gerapetritis said, adding that informal talks on the Cyprus issue, which had stalled after the collapse of negotiations at Crans-Montana, have resumed during the current term and are already yielding results.

The Greek Foreign Minister also stressed the strategic importance of the planned electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus, describing it as a project of major geopolitical and energy significance. He said the interconnector would help lift Cyprus’ energy isolation and contribute to regional stability, stressing that Greece supports the project ‘fully and without any reservations.’

Gerapetritis also said he would travel to Nicosia on Saturday to attend the funeral of former Cypriot president Giorgos Vassiliou, whom he described as a ‘significant political figure who left a strong legacy.’ On Sunday, he added, he will visit Egypt for a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Cyprus and Egypt.

Gerapetritis reiterated that Greece will continue to place Cyprus at the top of its foreign policy agenda, particularly as the island faces what he described as a hybrid attack linked, among other factors, to its current presidency of the Council of the EU.

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 due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week.