Representatives from the governments of the UK and Cyprus met on Thursday for the inaugural annual review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two countries.
The discussions centred on progress within specified policy areas aimed at bolstering the strong ties between the UK and Cyprus, addressing global challenges, and pursuing shared objectives.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Director General for Europe, Peter Wilson, and the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Kyriacos Kouros, presided over the review.
First annual Strategic Dialogue between @FCDOGovUK & @CyprusMFA took place yesterday, demonstrating strength & breadth of UK-Cyprus bilateral ties. @PeterWilson & @KourosKyriakos reflected on progress made delivering on MoU commitments.
— UK in Cyprus (@UKinCyprus) December 15, 2023
Joint statement: https://t.co/B7masVKnxs pic.twitter.com/kGD6PLMbL3
Strategic Foreign and Regional Policy Collaboration
The chairs highlighted the extensive cooperation over the past year in bilateral and multilateral fora, emphasising joint efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. Both nations intensified collaboration on sanctions compliance, targeting those who facilitate sanctioned Russian oligarchs in concealing their assets.
Addressing the situation in Israel and Gaza, the UK and Cyprus reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence while advocating for restraint and adherence to international law. The countries are also working together to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza through the operationalisation of the Cypriot maritime corridor from Larnaca (AMALTHEA Plan).
Effective Crisis Management and Evacuation Operations
Acknowledging successful bilateral cooperation in evacuating civilians from Sudan and Israel earlier in the year, including British and Cypriot nationals, the chairs highlighted the efficacy of the Cypriot crisis management ESTIA Plan.
Commitment to Cyprus Problem Resolution
The UK and Cyprus reaffirmed their commitment to working closely for a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus Problem within UN parameters, as outlined in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
Robust Defence and Security Engagements
High-level defence engagement continued with a focus on training, education, and interoperability. The renewed Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan, signed in September 2023, outlines intentions to enhance engagement in defence education, exercises, and expertise sharing. The chairs also considered opportunities for collaboration on mutual interests, including firefighting.
Education, Culture, Science, and Innovation
Recognising the crucial role of education and culture in strengthening bilateral ties, both nations pledged to explore ways to enhance education cooperation, including institutional links between UK and Cypriot universities. The commitment to promoting closer collaboration in research and innovation and fostering ties among creative professionals was emphasized.
Trade, Prosperity, and Maritime Affairs
The chairs committed to promoting trade and investment opportunities, with a focus on priority sectors such as energy, environment, financial and professional services, technology, and healthcare. A Memorandum of Understanding on maritime affairs, signed in February, sets the stage for enhanced engagement on seafarers’ safety and the green transition.
Climate Change Collaboration
Acknowledging shared priorities on climate change, the chairs welcomed the opportunity to work closely together through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The UK and Cyprus will engage constructively in the Commonwealth Oceans Ministerial Meeting in April 2024, aiming to shape the principles and priorities of a future ‘Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.’
Law Enforcement, Serious Organised Crime, and Terrorism
Both sides noted the excellent level of existing bilateral law enforcement cooperation, pledging to expand collaboration through information sharing and capability building to tackle serious organised crime, counterterrorism, and gender-based violence.
Legal and Justice Affairs
The shared legal heritage between Cyprus and the UK was recognised, with a commitment to support the exchange of legal expertise and best practices.
Consular and People-to-People Ties
Acknowledging the significant personal links between over 300,000 Cypriots residing in the UK and the one million Brits visiting Cyprus annually, the chairs pledged to continue promoting these connections through public diplomacy.
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