Category: Cyprus News Agency

Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Cyprus, Abdallah Attari, has called on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

In a press release, he says that “we followed with great satisfaction the statement of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, on Euronews, in which he highlighted the contribution of the Cypriot Government to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as the six-point plan of the Republic of Cyprus for Gaza. Initiatives such as these strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and reinforce the role of the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the United Nations and UNRWA”.

He adds that “in response to a journalist’s question regarding the two-state solution, at a time when the United States and Israel oppose it, President Christodoulides replied with clarity and determination: there is no other viable solution than the two-state solution. He further stressed that without a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question, based on this principle, there can be no stability or peace throughout the region.”

Finally, the Ambassador says that “we call on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza”.

“At the same time, we urge those states that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so without delay, thereby strengthening the prospects for peace, justice, and international legitimacy” he concludes.

Courtesy Meeting between the School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology and Neapolis University Pafos and American University of Beirut (Mediterraneo)

The School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) held a courtesy meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with representatives from Neapolis University Pafos and the American University of Beirut. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaborative ties and explore prospects for joint initiatives in tourism education and research.

The meeting took place in a spirit of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, highlighting the importance of cooperation among academic institutions in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region for the promotion of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.

Representing the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) were Professor Nikolas Tsapatsoulis, Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, and Professor Evangelos Akylas, Vice-Rector of Financial Planning and Development.

From the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Associate Professor Antonis Theocharous, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Assistant Professor Elias Hadjielias, representing the Department of Management Entrepreneurship and Digital Business participated in the meeting.

From Neapolis University Pafos, the delegation included Professor Pantelis Sklias, Rector, Professor Savvas Chatzittofis, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and the Chair of the Department of Communication and Creativity. The representatives of Neapolis University emphasized the importance of fostering synergies that will enhance educational experience and research activity in the fields of tourism, communication, and the creative industries.

Representing the American University of Beirut were Professor Alain Daou, Dean of the School of Management, and Professor Mallek Tabbal, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who expressed their appreciation for the invitation and their interest in developing collaborations with Cypriot academic institutions in areas such as tourism management, sustainability, and hospitality education.

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for joint research programs, student and staff exchanges, as well as organizing conferences and scientific events focusing on tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all participants committing to continue dialogue and strengthen their collaboration through specific initiatives aimed at advancing tourism education and research in Pafos and the wider region.

New UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, will begin next week his contacts with the two leaders.

CNA has learned that initially he will hold separate meetings with the leaders possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.

Khassim Diagne succeeds Colin Stewart, who completed his term in August 2025.

‘I am honoured and grateful to be here in Cyprus as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I look forward to working with all our partners across Cyprus,’ Diagne said upon his arrival.

Following the Annual General Meeting held on 18 September 2025 and the consequent BoD Meeting held on October 16, AmCham Cyprus is pleased to present its newly elected Board of Directors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Board and its President, Mr. Georgios Georgiou, for their dedicated service, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber’s mission. Under Mr. Georgiou’s presidency, AmCham Cyprus expanded its influence, strengthened bilateral relations, and launched initiatives that continue to benefit the business community.

Looking ahead, the new Board led now by newly elect President Mr. Marios Kapiris envisions a dynamic and inclusive future for AmCham Cyprus. Our goals include fostering innovation, enhancing member engagement, and expanding international collaboration. We aim to build on past successes while embracing new opportunities that will empower our members and elevate the Chamber’s role as a leading platform for U.S.-Cyprus business excellence.

Executive Team

Mr. Marios Kapiris – Managing Director, Kyndryl Cyprus (President)

Mr. Savvas Klitou – Regional Managing Partner and Head of Tax Services, Baker Tilly South East Europe (Vice President)

Mr. Elias Orphanou – Director, Chevron Cyprus (Treasurer)

Ms. Louiza Papageorgiou – Government and Public Affairs Manager, ExxonMobil Cyprus (Secretary-General)

Georgios A. Georgiou -( ex-President ) – Director for Digital and Innovation, Logicom Public

Board Members

Michael Michael – Corporate Finance and Business Development Director, A. Zorbas and Sons Ltd

Constantinos Chiotis – Chief Executive Officer, Abacus Ltd

Demetris Demetriou – Chief Risk Officer, Bank of Cyprus

Demosthenis Mavrellis – Partner, Chrysses Demetriades and Co LLC

Nicos Apostolides – General Manager, Datatech IT Solutions Ltd

Michael Michaelides – Partner, Business Tax, Deloitte Ltd

Michael Christos G. Charalambides – CEO and Managing Director, ECOMMBX Ltd

John Georgoullas – Founder and Chairman, Economist Conferences / Way Out Communications

George Sklavos – Head of Corporate Communications and Branding, Eurobank Cyprus

Paris Savva – Country Manager, Fortinet Inc

Aris Vassilopoulos – Executive Director, G.A.P Vassilopoulos Public Ltd

Marios Anastasiou – Partner, George Z. Georgiou Associates Ltd

Nicolas Kyriakides – Partner, Harris Kyriakides LLC

Antonia Michael – Country General Manager, IBM Cyprus

Andrea Antoniou – Vice President, Head of Central and Southern Europe, Iron Mountain

Cosmas Cosma – Managing Partner, K. Treppides and Co Ltd

Michalis Halios – Board Member, KPMG

Constantinos Kattirdjis – Director – Enterprise Partner Lead, Microsoft Cyprus

Andreas Dermosoniades – General Manager, NewCytech Business Solutions Ltd

Chrysostomos Filippou – Country Manager, Modaxo Traffic Management (ELOVATE)

Christos Onoufriou – CEO, Odyssey Consultants Ltd

Antonis Skoullos – Country Leader, Oracle Cyprus

Pericles Theodorides – Managing Director, P.G.T. The Magnet Enterprises Ltd

Stelios Violaris – Partner, PwC Cyprus

Thomas Hoplaros – Managing Director, Simplex Software and Internet Services Ltd

Andreas Constantinides – Managing Director, TMF Administrative Services (Cyprus) Ltd

George Economides – Managing Director, Totalserve Management Ltd

Elena Kontemeniotis – Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Nicosia

Michael Ioannides – Country Manager, Visa Europe (Cyprus)

It is with great pleasure that we welcome our newly elected Board of Directors. Each member brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and vision to our Chamber, and we are confident that together we will continue to elevate AmCham Cyprus to new heights.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who have committed their time and expertise to serve on the Board. Their leadership is vital as we work to strengthen U.S.-Cyprus business ties, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.

United by a shared vision, the Board is committed to empowering our members, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and creating opportunities for progress and prosperity. AmCham Cyprus continues to serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, helping our business

In 2025, tourism in the country is expected to once again achieve record performance, while for 2026 we are optimistic that the positive trend in tourism will continue, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said on Friday during the discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Finance regarding the budget of the Deputy Ministry for the year 2026.

In his presentation to the committee members, Koumis said that the Deputy Ministry’s goal is to stabilize tourism at high levels and increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s economic development.

He added that the amended National Tourism Strategy is expected to be approved soon, while for 2026, actions are planned to promote the country abroad and for a modern licensing and operating framework in the tourism sector.

Regarding the contribution of tourism to the economy, he said that in 2025 it reached 14% of GDP, up from 13.3% in 2024. Similarly, tourist arrivals between January and September 2025 recorded an increase of 10.3% compared to the same period last year and 41% over a three-year period.

He noted in particular that the first nine months of 2025 were the best in the country’s tourism history, with Cyprus recording the largest increase in the EU in terms of stays in licensed accommodation.

He added that Cyprus also ranks first among all European Mediterranean countries in terms of tourism revenue growth for the first half of the year, with tourism revenues for that period rising by 21.3%.

Regarding the Deputy Ministry’s budget for 2026, Koumis said that it amounts to pound 74.6 million, of which pound 27.7 million (37.1%) has been budgeted for information campaigns and promotional activities, pound 14.9 million (20%) for expenses related to subsidy schemes mainly concerning the improvement of the tourism product, pound 19.5 million (25%) is for operational expenses, of which pound 6.1 million (8.2%) is for hosting the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, while the rest is budgeted for other expenses.

The Deputy Minister also referred to the green transition in the tourism sector, saying that appropriations have been allocated for studies on environmental impacts within the framework of the National Tourism Strategy, a modern model for the development and management of the tourism sector, and the recording of the current situation.

“In 2025, tourism in our country is expected to once again achieve record performance, and we are optimistic that the positive trend in tourism will continue in 2026. However, I consider it very important to point out that success in the tourism sector can never be taken for granted,” he continued.

Referring to the main actions of the Deputy Ministry, Koumis focused on the effort to maintain the competitiveness of Cypriot tourism, with an emphasis on quality and respect for the principles of sustainable development, highlighting the country’s comparative advantages and further strengthening promotional activities, through a mix of digital and conventional actions, upgrading tourism education and improving the visitor experience, always with respect for local communities.

“The ultimate goal, of course, is to lay a strong foundation for the future of tourism in our country,” he concluded.

In the discussion that followed, DISY MP Savia Orphanidou highlighted issues in relation to Cyprus’ air connectivity, particularly in view of the Cyprus EU Presidency, and asked whether the problem of access for foreign missions had been addressed.

Referring to air connectivity, Koumis said that according to data from the Aviation Council International last June, Cyprus ranked second at the European level in terms of improving air connectivity when comparing 2025 with 2019, while it ranked first in the comparison of 2025/2024, as a result of the addition of direct flights from airports in Europe and the Middle East.

Regarding the Cyprus Presidency, he said that there is indeed a gap in the direct connection between Larnaca Airport and Brussels, adding that a relevant tender process is underway by the Ministry of Transport.

On behalf of AKEL, MP Costas Costa asked whether steps are being taken to attract tourists from China, while his colleague, Giannakis Gavriel, spoke of the weakening of foreign promotion offices in recent years.

In response, Koumis said that the Deputy Ministry is investing in the Chinese market so that, in the long term, it can claim a direct air link, which is not feasible at this stage for commercial reasons.

The Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry, Costas Constantinou, said regarding staffing at offices abroad that there are no longer any office managers as local staff, but that daily coordination with central management takes place.

DIPA MP Marinos Moushouttas asked what the most emblematic actions of the Deputy Ministry were in view of the Cyprus Presidency.

In his response, the Deputy Minister said that efforts had been made to provide accommodation facilities for visitors in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, adding that this is an opportunity to re-approach the Belgian and Dutch markets.

Close cooperation is essential to achieving the shared goals of the Government and the business community, namely green and digital transformation, enhancing competitiveness, and upgrading Cyprus’ international image, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou said at the 63rd Annual General Assembly of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday evening.

In his speech, the Minister said that Limassol ‘is moving dynamically into a new era of growth and extroversion, with modern infrastructure and strategic planning that strengthen its role as a key economic, maritime and tourism hub of our country.’ He underlined that the contribution of the city’s vibrant business community is crucial in this process.

He further assured that in these efforts, ‘the Government remains a steadfast supporter, providing tangible and multifaceted assistance’ to the country’s enterprises, noting that his Ministry is implementing targeted policies and support programmes aimed at boosting innovation, developing the manufacturing sector, and advancing the digital and energy transformation of businesses.

Papanastasiou recalled that for the programming period 2021-2027, a total of pound 226 million has been secured under the ‘THALIA’ EU programme, along with pound 137 million from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility and the REPowerEU Plan, to implement various schemes promoting entrepreneurship and industry.

To date, he said, grants amounting to pound 101.2 million have been disbursed to beneficiaries of the Ministry’s schemes – pound 88.9 million through the ‘THALIA’ programme and pound 12.3 million via the Recovery and Resilience Plan. These, he added, include initiatives supporting new entrepreneurship, energy upgrades for residences, competitiveness of manufacturing SMEs, digital transformation of businesses, processing and/or marketing of agricultural products, and investment in energy efficiency.

Addressing the issue of energy costs, the Minister stressed that it remains a critical factor for maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of Cypriot enterprises. ‘The Government, recognising these challenges, has undertaken targeted actions,’ he said.

‘Our top priority at the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry remains the full utilisation of European funds for improving the energy efficiency of businesses and promoting energy storage systems,’ he added.

Referring to the country’s 14 industrial zones, which host around 950 enterprises, Papanastasiou stressed that ‘their upgrade and modernisation, in cooperation and consultation with local authorities and competent bodies such as the district Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Industrialists’ Associations, remain a firm priority.’ He noted that in 2025 alone, projects totalling pound 8 million are being advanced, including the completion of the Energy and Industrial Area of Vasilikos.

‘Close cooperation is essential to achieving our common goals,’ he said, adding that ‘if we want to accomplish the green and digital transformation of Cypriot enterprises, strengthen competitiveness, and elevate Cyprus’ image internationally, we must work collectively and in coordination.’ He reaffirmed that his Ministry ‘will continue to stand as a supporter and ally of your initiatives.’

Papanastasiou also referred to Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins on January 1, 2026, noting that Cyprus’ efforts will focus on strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses, adding that to achieve this requires energy autonomy. He said that this was ‘a very difficult goal, as resources are limited.’

During Cyprus’ Presidency, he said, ‘one of the key pillars will be strengthening Europe’s energy networks to make them smarter and capable of managing various forms of energy.’ Another pillar, he added, ‘will be to foster an understanding in Europe that we do not have the luxury of rejecting any form of energy or technology.’

Although green transition is the main objective, he stressed, ‘we must also recognise that there are other technologies, such as natural gas and nuclear energy, and we cannot prescribe only one solution, as this creates rigidity and undermines the competitiveness of European industry.’

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 23/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 24/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1013hPa (hectopascal)

Slack pressure gradient is affecting the area. Tonight and tomorrow morning, the weather will be mainly fine with locally increased, mainly high cloud coverage. Tomorrow evening, locally increased cloud coverage is expected to give isolated showers with a risk of isolated thunderstorm, over the north and likely also over the east.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

Cyprus does not aspire to act as a political mediator for Gaza but to support the plan promoting Gaza’s viability and respecting at the same time Israel’s security concerns, President Nikos Christodoulides said during the working dinner held within the framework of the first EU-Egypt Summit in Brussels on Wednesday, where he presented his six-point plan drafted along the lines of US President Trump’s plan or Gaza, according to a written statement by the Director of the President’s Press office, Victoras Papadopoulos.

Papadopoulos also noted that the President also spoke of the importance of the new EU Mediterranean Pact, while welcoming Egypt’s role. He added that President Christodoulides elaborated on the potential role of Cyprus in the implementation o Trump’s peace plan.

In this framework, Papadopoulos said, the Republic of Cyprus has suggested a model of implementary contribution, which sums up to six operational pillars, building up on “Amaltheia” plan, which operates in cooperation with the UAE and UNOPS.

The President particularly noted EU’s Mediterranean Pact, according to Papadopoulos, which aims to upgrade the Mediterranean to a space of strategic conjunction between Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and underlined that the implementation of the Pact will be a key priority for the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council.

Concluding, the President praised “Egypt’s crucial stabilizing role” and noted that the EU and the IMF should support Egypt’s macro-economic stability, Papadopoulos noted.

Department of Meteorology

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

Cyprus is a very important member and strong supporter of the European Defence Agency, the Agency’s Chief Executive, Andre Denk said Thursday after a meeting in Nicosia with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, noting that, together with the Defence Ministry they were preparing a high-level conference on defence in Cyprus.

Palmas stressed the importance of a mutually beneficial and productive cooperation within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU for the benefit of common European defence and security.

In his statements after the meeting at the Ministry of Defence, Palmas said that the European Defence Agency ‘is an important organisation and an excellent partner for both the Republic of Cyprus and the EU itself in the field of defence capability development and in the framework of defence initiatives promoted by the EU’.

The Republic of Cyprus, he said, ‘succeeded in being an active and reliable partner’ within the framework of the Agency’s programmes and through cooperation between the Defence Ministry and the European Defence Agency at a high level.

He noted that with Major General Denk they had the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on matters of mutual interest, and more specifically on issues concerning the support of the EDA in view of the defence initiatives, the new actions undertaken by the Ministry of Defense, Cyprus’ cooperation in the SAFE mechanism, as well as issues concerning the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.

‘The Republic of Cyprus supports the perspective of deepening cooperation on issues of common defence and security policy and the strengthening of European Strategic Autonomy’, said the Minister.

‘In addition to our participation in programmes of the European Defence Agency, we are making efforts to expand our cooperation both with the EU member states and with third states, such as the United States of America’, he added.

He noted that the role of the European Defence Agency ‘is also very important in terms of the development of joint defence programmes, research and innovation’.

The Ministry of Defence, he said, supports the research and innovation and defence industry ecosystem and promotes the partnership of the public sector with the private and academic sectors for participation in EU research programmes.

In conclusion, he pointed out the importance of a mutually beneficial and productive cooperation within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU ‘for the benefit of common European security and defence’.

Denk, in his statements, said that ‘Cyprus is a very important member and strong supporter of the European Defence Agency’.

‘Since my appointment as chief executive of the European Defence Agency, I was very much looking forward to visiting Cyprus’, he added.

‘As you know, the European Defence Agency enables intergovernmental defence cooperation at EU level. We bring together the 27 ministries of defence. We are your Agency. And we represent Cyprus’ voice in Brussels in the field of defence, and we take your national priorities fully into account when initiating new projects, when agreeing upon priorities’, Denk said.

He added that he was ‘very much looking forward, together with my team, to working even more closely with you, specifically in view of the upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union’. He also said that they were preparing a high-level conference on defence in Cyprus ‘that I’m looking forward to attend and to support you’.