Cyprus and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following high-level talks held in Nicosia this week, against the backdrop of shifting regional and international developments. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, met on 7 January with the Qatari Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, who was visiting the island to attend the opening ceremony marking the start of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In a post published on X after the meeting, Dr Kombos said the discussions focused on “ways to continue and further deepen Cyprus–Qatar relations, while also addressing regional issues and key developments”. He noted that the exchange of views took place in the context of the Qatari minister’s official visit, underlining the importance both sides attach to sustained political dialogue. According to official statements, the meeting covered a broad range of issues, with particular emphasis on enhancing bilateral cooperation and identifying new areas for partnership. Humanitarian assistance and development cooperation featured prominently in the talks, reflecting shared priorities and Qatar’s active role in international relief and reconstruction efforts.
The two ministers also explored prospects for closer coordination on issues of common concern at the regional and global level. Developments in Syria, the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, and the war in Ukraine were among the key topics discussed, with both sides exchanging assessments and views on possible avenues for cooperation and diplomatic engagement. Bilateral relations between Cyprus and Qatar have grown steadily in recent years, characterised by regular political consultations and increasing collaboration in areas such as diplomacy, humanitarian action and multilateral forums. Cyprus has consistently highlighted Qatar’s constructive role in regional mediation and humanitarian initiatives, while Qatar views Cyprus as an important partner within the European Union and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The meeting in Nicosia was seen as a further step towards consolidating these ties, with both ministers expressing a shared intention to build on existing cooperation and to explore practical ways of translating political goodwill into concrete outcomes. As Cyprus assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the dialogue also underscored the potential for enhanced Cyprus–Qatar engagement at the EU–Gulf level. Officials on both sides indicated that contacts would continue in the coming period, signalling a mutual interest in maintaining momentum and deepening a relationship that is increasingly shaped by common interests and regional responsibilities.
