Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, and his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, stressed the need for diplomacy and de-escalation in the Middle East, while reaffirming strong bilateral relations between Cyprus and Portugal and their alignment within the European Union, during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia on Thursday afternoon.
Kombos welcomed Rangel to Cyprus and noted that the discussion between them was ‘very timely, fruitful and deep’, as the two sides reviewed a wide range of regional and international issues.
The situation in the Middle East was a key focus of the meeting, and Kombos said it remains a priority for Cyprus, particularly in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
‘We see ourselves as part of the wider region, but also as an EU member state with longstanding ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,’ Kombos said, stressing that Cyprus has consistently advocated for ‘strengthening and deepening’ EU-Gulf relations.
He reiterated the need for a more active European role in the region, noting that ‘Europe needs to be a more active player in promoting de-escalation through diplomacy.’
Kombos also highlighted the EU’s unified stance, condemning ‘the inexcusable attacks against our Gulf partners’ and reaffirming ‘full support and solidarity’ with them. He stressed that ‘the security in the Gulf and in Europe are inherently interlinked.’
Both Ministers welcomed recent developments, including a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which Kombos described as ‘opening a window of opportunity across the wider region’.
Discussions also covered Gaza and the West Bank, with both sides agreeing on the need to advance a diplomatic solution based on the two-state framework.
‘We agree on the need to make sure that we have positive steps towards a diplomatic solution, with the two-state solution being the basis for our approach,’ Kombos said, adding that Cyprus remains active on the humanitarian front, including evacuation efforts.
Kombos also reaffirmed the role of Cyprus as a regional facilitator, noting that ‘this is how we see our role as a peaceful actor in a difficult regional setting.’
The war in Ukraine was also on the agenda of the meeting. Kombos expressed optimism that progress could be achieved at EU level, including on financial support and sanctions.
‘We remain optimistic that we would be able to advance the pound 90 billion loan to Ukraine, as well as the next sanctions package,’ he said.
At the bilateral level, the two Ministers reviewed relations between Cyprus and Portugal, which date back to 1960. Kombos described the relationship as ‘very deep and longstanding’, highlighting opportunities in trade, education, tourism and connectivity.
He also expressed gratitude for Portugal’s stance on the Cyprus issue, noting that it is ‘fully aligned with that of the United Nations Security Council’.
On his part, Minister Rangel described the discussions as ‘fruitful and amicable’ and expressed full agreement with Cyprus’ positions on key international issues.
‘We fully agree on the vision regarding the conflict in the Middle East,’ he said and added that Portugal ‘supports and defends a diplomatic solution.’
Rangel also welcomed recent ceasefire developments and stressed the global implications of the conflict.
‘The global effects of this conflict are very clear and they deteriorate the stability of countries worldwide,’ he noted.
On Lebanon, he said Portugal shares Cyprus’ position and supports efforts to ensure ‘full respect for the sovereignty of Lebanon’, while encouraging ongoing talks in the region.
The Portuguese Minister also praised Cyprus’ handling of the EU Council Presidency, calling its performance ‘remarkable in such a difficult time’.
He highlighted Cyprus’ role in promoting compromise among member states and advancing EU engagement, adding that ‘it is a privilege for the Union to have the Cyprus Presidency’.
Rangel further noted that, despite their geographical distance, Cyprus and Portugal share a common outlook.
‘We are very like-minded countries, not by chance, as both are peripheral but also bridge builders,’ he said, pointing to their role in connecting the EU with other regions of the world.
Concluding, when asked about possible international efforts to protect maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, both Ministers said it was too early to take decisions and that discussions are ongoing.