Category: Cyprus News Agency

Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou is expected to present the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency at the Council of Ministers for Culture and Sport. In a doorstep statement, she told reporters that Cyprus will place culture at the forefront and intends to advance discussions on cultural-heritage rights and protection, as well as on safeguarding the media.

At the outset, Kassianidou thanked the Danish Presidency for the work it has carried out over the past six months, with the Deputy Minister presenting the three main issues on which the Cypriot Presidency will focus.

‘First, we will place culture at the heart of the discussions. We will promote and support the signing of the joint declaration on culture prepared by the Commissioner,’ Kassianidou stressed.

‘We hope that during our Presidency we will complete this task and begin negotiations on the new work program, Agora EU, because culture lies at the core of common European values,’ she added.

With regard to the second priority point, she noted that ‘Cyprus will promote discussions on cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage, especially on the issue of the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, because our cultural heritage is what unites us; it is the glue that holds all European countries together.’

‘We will promote discussions on the protection of the media and independent reporting, and we will do whatever is necessary to complete the work that has begun during the Danish Presidency,’ she concluded.

The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elected 40 Member States to form its Council for the next two-year term, 2026-2027. The elections were completed on Friday during the proceedings of the Organization’s 34th Assembly, held at its headquarters in London. Cyprus was re-elected, ranking 7th, compared to 12th place in the previous election.

‘This result reflects the very good and systematic work carried out by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, the Cyprus High Commission in London, and all those who contributed to Cyprus’s pre-election campaign,’ a diplomatic source told CNA.

Meanwhile, a leading figure in international shipping told CNA that ‘the re-election of Cyprus to the Council of the International Maritime Organization, and indeed in a better position than in the previous election, is considered a success in shipping circles and once again confirms Cyprus’s steady and long-standing contribution to the work and mission of the IMO.’

More specifically, the full results are as follows:

Category (A), concerning the provision of international shipping services and consisting of 10 members, elected: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and United States of America.

Category (B), concerning international seaborne trade and also consisting of 10 members, elected: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates.

Category (C), concerning special interests in shipping and navigation and consisting of 20 members, elected: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Turkey.

More detailed results in this category are as follows: Singapore 149, Saudi Arabia 142, Belgium 141, Turkey 139, Indonesia 138, Qatar 137, Cyprus 136, Philippines 136, Malta 133, Egypt 132, Morocco 130, Jamaica 129, Malaysia 129, Peru 127, Chile 126, Mexico 126, Bahamas 125, Finland 118, South Africa 117, Nigeria 116.

The new IMO Council will be constituted during its 136th session on 4 December, when the Chair and Vice-Chair for the new two-year term will be elected.

On December 11, the two leaders, President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman, will jointly visit the Committee on Missing Persons and hold a joint meeting at the UN Good Offices, under the facilitation of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, María Angela Holguín Cuéllar, according to an announcement by UN Spokesperson in Cyprus Aleem Siddique.

According to Siddique, on December 11, ‘the Greek Cypriot leader, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhrman, will jointly visit the Committee on Missing Persons at 15.00’.

‘They will then hold a joint meeting at the UN Good Offices, under the facilitation of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, María Angela Holguín Cuéllar at 16.00,’ he adds.

The two leaders will then proceed to an informal reception hosted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Khassim Diagne, the UN Spokesperson in Cyprus said.

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.

A High-Level Group Meeting on Education and Training is taking place in Nicosia on 1 – 2 December 2025, ahead of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus during the first half of 2026.

According to a statement by the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the meeting will be held at the new Nicosia Town Hall with participation of Member States representatives that take part in the High-Level Group on Education and Training, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.

As noted, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Giorgos Panteli, will extend greetings and outline the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency in the area of Education.

It is added that discussions will focus on key aspects of the European Education Area, including citizenship education, lifelong learning, mobility, and strengthening and supporting the teaching profession in an era of digital and technological change, while participants will also review the progress made by Member States in enhancing the development of digital skills through education and training.

During the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, priority will be given to the Mediterranean dimension of the EU and to cooperation for a peaceful, resilient Mediterranean committed to international law, said Minister of Health Michalis Damianos, who participated, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the 10th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean, which took place in Barcelona on November 27-28, 2025.

Damianos also highlighted the importance of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, which laid the foundations for dialogue and cooperation in the Mediterranean.

According to an official statement, in his speech before the Forum, Damianos stressed that the Barcelona Process principles remain relevant, especially in a period of geopolitical tensions, inequalities, and climate threats.

He stressed that Cyprus actively supports the Union for the Mediterranean and welcomes its new Strategic Vision, which reinforces its strategic direction while maintaining the inclusive and representative nature of the Organization, with an emphasis on regional solutions to common challenges.

Finally, he noted that during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, priority will be given to the Mediterranean dimension of the EU and to cooperation for a peaceful, resilient Mediterranean committed to international law.

The Forum also included a ceremony for the official launch of the new Pact for the Mediterranean.

In his speech, the Minister described the day as a pivotal and historic one for strengthening relations with the Southern Neighbourhood partners.

He recalled that Cyprus, as the southeasternmost Member State of the EU, which will soon assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, is actively promoting cooperation with the Southern Neighbourhood, stressing that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the new Pact for the Mediterranean, with priority given to the Southern Neighbourhood.

He also pointed out that the launch of the new Pact for the Mediterranean is the culmination of the vision for a common framework of prosperity and stability between the EU and its Mediterranean partners.

He concluded by saying that this is the most ambitious relaunch of EU-Southern Neighbourhood relations in the last 20 years, at a time of multidimensional challenges and UfM’s 30th anniversary of the Union for the Mediterranean, which, he said, the Pact strengthens, complements, and develops, without replacing it.

Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos met on Friday with Elisabeth Vitzthum, Executive Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in view of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as part of contacts and consultations with important European and international institutions.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the Minister expressed the Republic of Cyprus’ appreciation for the long-standing support and cooperation with the EBRD and stressed the importance of strengthening joint actions in view of the assumption of the EU Presidency.

It is added that Vitzthum is a member of the EBRD Board of Directors and represents Cyprus in the Bank’s constituency, which also includes Austria, Israel, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, they discussed, among other things, the current situation and priorities of the EBRD constituency, the EBRD’s cooperation and investment activities in Cyprus, the upcoming EU Directors’ meetings, and the role of the Cyprus Presidency and its key priorities in the EU, the statement concludes.

The continuous upgrading of the National Guard in terms of human resources and technological priorities is a top priority for the Government, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Friday, adding that as long as the illegal presence of Turkish occupation troops continues, the protection of the homeland and its people is an absolute necessity.

In his speech at the ceremony for the awarding of green berets to new paratroopers at the “Stelios Mavrommatis” Camp in Stavrovouni, the President stated that “in a country under Turkish occupation and surrounded by real dangers and potential threats, the defence and strengthening of our homeland’s deterrent power is not a luxury.”

“It is the minimum obligation of the state, and I want to repeat once again today that as long as the illegal presence of Turkish occupation troops continues, the protection of our homeland and our people is an absolute necessity,” he noted.

In this context, he continued, “as a government, we strongly support the security forces at all levels and, by extension, the continuous upgrading of the National Guard, both in terms of human resources and technological capabilities, is a top priority and a key pillar of our strategy to strengthen all power factors of the Republic of Cyprus, both internal and external.”

In his address, the President of the Republic said “yesterday’s approval by the Council of Ministers of our participation in the European Union’s SAFE financial instrument, which provides for pound 1.2 billion for the Republic of Cyprus, is a clear indication of what I have mentioned above, but also tangible proof of our unwavering interest in upgrading the deterrent power of the National Guard, so that it can evolve into an even more modern, flexible, and effective army.”

This priority of ours, he continued, “is also served by the agreement to secure military equipment from the United States and the upgrade of critical infrastructure, such as the “Andreas Papandreou” Air Base in Paphos and the “Evangelos Florakis” Naval Base in Mari.”

At the same time, he said, “the upgrade and modernization also extends to human resources, which are the driving force behind the National Guard and the most fundamental pillar of strengthening our country’s deterrent power. At the same time, through the promotion of new programmes and the deepening of cooperation with universities, research centers, and private organizations, we are working to create a strong domestic defence industry ecosystem, which in turn will yield substantial benefits and significant added value in the field of our country’s defence,” he noted.

He also stated that “beyond the occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and the need to monitor the ceasefire line, our country’s geographical position and its European status create increased obligations in the field of external and internal security. Migration, terrorism, piracy, and asymmetric threats are just some of the challenges that require the continuous strengthening and readiness of the Security Forces of the Republic of Cyprus.”

The President of the Republic also stated that “as the closest Member State of the European Union in a region of particular geostrategic importance, our country is called upon to respond to humanitarian and other operations and missions, as well as search and rescue operations.”

At the same time, he reiterated his pride ‘as a citizen of this country, as President of the Republic of Cyprus, in the competence, professionalism, and high level of training and readiness of the National Guard personnel.”

Addressing the new recruits, President Christodoulides said that they should never forget that “the Paratroopers, like the National Guard, were created in 1964, when our country faced Turkey’s first attempt to impose its divisive plans.”

Addressing the parents and relatives of the new paratroopers, the President said that “the green beret is not just a badge; it is a symbol of character, responsibility, and mental strength’, adding that parents and relatives laid the first and most important foundations for these qualities.

The Republic of Cyprus and the National Guard, President Christodoulides continued “will ensure that their service is productive and beneficial, and that it takes place in safe and dignified conditions, as befits a modern army of a European state.”

Following his address, the President of the Republic presented some of the green berets to the new paratroopers and watched various exercises.

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.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 28/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 29/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. Increased medium and high cloud will be present at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon East to Southeast 3 to 4, locally Southwest to Northwest Smooth to Slight

Night Northeast to Southeast 3, offshore 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning East to Southeast 3 to 4, gradually Southeast to South Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Northeast to East 3 to 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Slight

Night North to Northeast 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning North to Northeast 3 to 4, later Southeast to South Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon Northeast 4, locally 4 to 5 Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

Night Northeast to East 3, locally 3 to 4 Slight

Morning Northeast to East 3 to 4 Slight

North Coast

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

Night East to Southeast 3 to 4 Slight

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, later locally Southeast to South Slight

Cyprus was re-elected on Friday to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the period 2026-2027, with 136 votes, a development welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the elections held at the Organization’s headquarters in London during the 34th IMO General Assembly, Cyprus came in seventh place, compared to twelfth when it was elected in 2023, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Through the joint efforts and excellent cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Cyprus has succeeded in maintaining its position on the IMO Council, to which it has been elected without interruption since 1987,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its warm thanks to all those who contributed to yet another success for Cyprus in multilateralism, particularly in a sector of crucial importance to the Cypriot economy such as shipping.

There is a great opportunity for Europe to take advantage of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU and the informal European Council in April, with the participation of leaders from the region, to discuss how we can work together on a very specific basis, said European Commission Secretary-General Ilze Juhansone, speaking on Friday to members of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee.

Cyprus brings an asset to the EU, which is that it knows the region, she noted, adding that from her personal experience, at European Council meetings, when the President of the Republic of Cyprus speaks on issues in the region, EU leaders listen carefully because they know that he is knowledgeable.

Regarding Europe’s geopolitical strategy, Juhansone said that most open disputes exist in the east of the EU, but that the situation in the eastern Mediterranean is equally important.

In her initial statement, the EU official, who is visiting the country ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU which begins on January 1, said that the Commission’s priorities are the competitiveness of the economy internally and externally, security and defence, and citizens’ problems such as housing and quality of work.

Responding later to views expressed by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Haris Georgiades, and the attending MPs Giorgos Loucaides and Costis Efstathiou, Juhansone said that there is a common expectation that the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be completed at the end of 2026 for several reasons.

In response to Georgiades’ observation that there is discontent among national parliaments over the absence of relevant Commissioners from important parliamentary meetings during the various EU Presidencies, the EU official said that she has taken note of the issue and will convey it to Brussels with regard to the two meetings to be held in March on security and foreign policy issues, so that the relevant Commissioners would be present, with Georgiades adding that the Commissioners for Defence and the Mediterranean responded positively.

In response to Loucaides’ observation that Europe is militarizing its economy by spending a lot of money on defence and that this could be detrimental to the welfare state and social cohesion, Juhansone said that Europe cannot forget social welfare and that the European Commission is focusing on issues such as affordable housing, working on relevant proposals, while also focusing on job quality, skills, and labor mobility.

On energy security, she spoke of Russian manipulation of the energy crisis, saying that the EU is vulnerable because it has no energy reserves and is dependent on fuel imports, adding that China also poses obstacles to the creation of energy storage capacities for the EU.

The European official also agreed with Kostis Efstathiou on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), adding that a delicate balance must be maintained between its great potential and the responsibility in its use.

Finally, Georgiades, told the EC Secretary-General that the upcoming EU Presidency will not be affected by parliamentary elections next spring, adding that the House’s program will be compressed to the extent that it is involved as a national parliament in events and activities of the Presidency, as the relevant programme must be completed by the end of March.