Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos is in touch with his US and EU counterparts Marco Rubio and Kaja Kallas about international developments, exchanging points of view, adding at the same time that the Cyprus EU Council Presidency’s slogan is autonomous EU, open to the world.
Kombos and Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, outlined to journalists accredited in Brussels who are visiting the country the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the EU, its objectives, and the geopolitical developments confronting the Union, at a press conference, held at the press centre of the Cypriot EU Presidency.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that the Presidency’s slogan is “an autonomous EU, open to the world.”
‘It is a motto that reflects the political environment in which we find ourselves-one defined by the simultaneous unfolding of multiple crises, ranging from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the situation in Gaza after 7 October, to Iran in light of developments in recent hours, and the situation in Venezuela,’ he explained.
Kombos also referred to developments in the Red Sea, Somalia and Yemen. ‘All of these are taking place at the same time, while we are constantly facing the risks of radicalisation, competition and war,’ he added.
He described the situation as exceptionally complex, noting that it is within this context that the Republic of Cyprus is taking its first steps as holder of the Presidency.
He stressed that geographically Cyprus is very close to some of these conflicts. Mr Kombos further noted that Cyprus is also close to the war in Ukraine in experiential terms, given its own history of invasion and illegal occupation by an external power.
The Foreign Affairs Minister pointed out that he is in contact with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, as well as with the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, regarding international developments, exchanging views. ‘We are trying to assist as much as possible, institutionally, in fulfilling the responsibilities associated with the European Union’s external policy,’ he said.
EU-US relations
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At the same time, he noted that there is a firm belief that opportunities and areas of convergence exist, particularly with the United States, on a number of dossiers that should be fully explored. ‘Issues related, for example, to how threats are perceived-whether linked to migration flows, terrorism or a range of other matters,’ he pointed out.
It is therefore necessary, he said, to intensify dialogue. ‘We believe that the European Union should not decouple from the United States. At the same time, we must be realistic and pragmatic in recognising that this is not ‘business as usual’. It is a different framework,’ he explained.
He added that this relationship should not be viewed as competitive and that Cyprus seeks to maintain excellent relations with its traditional partners, whether in trade or other areas.
Certainly, Kombos continued, the EU must seek to increase its autonomy-whether in defence capabilities or competitiveness, among other areas. ‘This does not necessarily mean doing so at the expense of our existing, strong relationships,’ he added.
Referring to relations with countries of the Middle East, he stressed that they are potential partners from the perspective of competitiveness and the EU’s economic expansion. He explained that this could, to some extent, offset a potential gap created by the way the United States has approached trade in recent times.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that negotiations are underway for free trade agreements with India and with the United Arab Emirates.
‘These, therefore, represent opportunities for the European Union. At the same time, we want to continue highlighting the fact that the Middle East, in the broader sense, is not only a region of crises that require our attention and focus, but also a region of opportunity,’ he said.
He noted that in terms of scale, economy, technology and progress, as well as energy resources, this is a region that could form a significant part of EU policy and its overall approach.
The Ukraine issue
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Kombos stated that he has been asked many times whether this approach comes at the expense of what is the EU’s primary issue-Ukraine.
‘The answer has been absolutely clear from the outset. Ukraine is the foremost issue that we, as a collective European Union, must address. We have been in contact with the Ukrainians, with President Zelenskyy and with the Foreign Minister, who were here at the inauguration ceremony a few days ago. We remain in constant contact with the Ukrainian side, with increased frequency and intensity, and this will continue,’ he said.
Whether this concerns sanctions packages or any other type of measures, he continued, Cyprus firmly believes that its role is to facilitate and promote this process.
Summing up, he stressed that nothing undertaken by previous EU Presidencies with regard to Ukraine, nor the approaches they adopted, will be weakened or altered.
Relations with Middle Eastern countries
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Commenting on the various crises unfolding in the region, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Republic of Cyprus has been one of the few countries-and certainly one of the few EU Member States-to maintain excellent strategic relations with key players in the Arab world, such as Egypt, Jordan, the UAE and Israel.
He explained that this is the result of geography, history, and the maturation of productive diplomatic ties and relationships.
‘In recent years in particular, we have moved beyond the theoretical or politico-technocratic stage to projects and tangible results,’ he added.
Gaza Strip
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Kombos cited as an example the initiative launched in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. ‘This did not arise because of geography, nor as a convenient facilitation for someone else’s planning, but as an initiative of our own. It was a proposal we put on the table-and it worked,’ he said.
‘At times it was presented or associated exclusively with the floating pier,’ he noted, recalling that there were direct shipments to Gaza prior to that, which for the first time constituted an exception to Israel’s naval blockade.
‘This also has a political dimension, and as we speak, shipments from the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus continue, with aid reaching Gaza via the port of Ashdod. The initiative has gone through various transitional phases and models,’ he explained. He noted that a coalition was formed bringing together countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, the UAE and many others.
‘None of this would have been possible without the green light from Israel. I can say that in recent days we have confirmation that medical equipment has received approval from COGAT. More than 32,000 tonnes of aid have departed from Cyprus and reached Gaza,’ he said.
He pointed out that he has heard all the questions and arguments as to why this initiative could never succeed or would not succeed in the right way. And yet, he continued, the initiative is successful and ongoing. ‘It does not compete with anyone and, at the end of the day, this is our modest contribution to alleviating human suffering,’ he added.
Regarding the peace plan for Gaza, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said they are closely monitoring its implementation.
‘I have visited the CMCC and seen the scale of the work being done there, and I believe this is something we collectively need to present to our colleagues in Brussels. We must be more actively present there, at a higher political level,” he added.
I saw, he noted, “first-hand the substantive progress in planning and how an integrated structure linking the military, humanitarian organisations and NGOs functions in practice.”
“It was truly impressive to see that the time required for permits issued to truck drivers heading to Gaza has been reduced to just a few hours, compared to almost 14 hours previously. This shows that there has been significant progress, and I am certain it has improved further since my visit,’ he said.
Referring to the crisis in the Red Sea, Kombos stressed that developments there affect shipping and maritime security in a way that is not evenly distributed. ‘It is not the same type of targeting, as is clearly reflected if one looks at the market and commercial insurers. Before the Houthi attacks, insurance premiums were around 0.4% of a vessel’s value. They have now risen to 1% of the vessel’s value. This is a massive increase,’ he said.
He noted that this is directly linked to sanctions regimes and their effectiveness. ‘It is evident that the Houthis’ capabilities pose a security risk not only to shipping. This is something we believe must be addressed more collectively. There is, of course, a new mission in place there. Yet paradoxically, the Houthis are not included on the list of terrorist organisations,’ he added.
He stressed that this is just one example of the challenges faced in the region due to Cyprus’s proximity and its role in seeking to connect these issues. ‘The situation has deteriorated significantly with developments now in Ashgabat, with terrorism on the other side of the Red Sea, as well as the situation in Somalia and Sudan,’ he added.
Developments in Iran
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Referring to recent developments in Iran, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said they are being monitored very closely.
‘The Political Director of the Ministry visited Iran shortly before Christmas for consultations. This was necessary for a number of reasons, including the fact that the Republic of Cyprus has likely received threats in relation to the British bases on the island,’ he noted.
He added that Cyprus has taken on an active role in managing part of this situation. Moreover, recent demonstrations, along with preceding factors such as water shortages and the state of the economy, have created an extremely volatile environment-one that should concern everyone. ‘This is a key message I have conveyed in my recent discussions with Kallas,’ he said.
He stressed that the Republic of Cyprus has approached the Council to coordinate with other states present on the ground, which have made démarches to the Iranian authorities.
‘There is serious concern about developments on the ground, and this is something I am working on with colleagues. Naturally, we are interested in how we can move forward. There are currently discussions in Brussels regarding sanctions and other measures,’ he noted.
Developments in Greenland
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With regard to Greenland, Kombos said it is self-evident that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states-including, of course, Greenland-are matters taken very seriously by all. ‘For us in particular, this is an issue we approach with absolute seriousness, and we express our full solidarity with Denmark,’ he said.
At the same time, regarding Somaliland, he stressed that the Republic of Cyprus fully aligns its position with that of the European Union concerning the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. ‘We do not have diplomatic relations for various reasons, but this does not affect our position, and we are one of only two EU Member States that issued a statement on this matter,’ he said.
In conclusion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that Ukraine remains the highest priority. ‘I believe we were all encouraged by the assessment of the Ukrainian leadership when they were here in Cyprus regarding the negotiations and the progress achieved. This is something we consider extremely important. Perhaps it is the first time I have seen such a positive approach, but of course this would mean nothing unless it leads to a final outcome consistent with the wishes of the Ukrainian people and leadership. We will continue to focus on this dossier until the situation is resolved,’ he said.
At the same time, he noted that he looks forward to welcoming Ms Kallas back to Cyprus in the coming days. ‘We believe that the right way forward is to pay greater attention to countries that are increasing their influence-whether in trade, investment or political engagement-such as India and the Gulf countries, without overlooking the importance of the United States. A Europe open to the world,’ he concluded.