Cyprus is a member of the United Nations[1] along with most of its agencies as well as the Commonwealth of Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Council of Europe. In addition, the country has signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Agreement (MIGA). Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and in the second half of the 2012 it held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.[2]
See also: Cyprus and the Non-Aligned Movement and Cyprus–NATO relations |
Cyprus has historically followed a non-aligned foreign policy, although it increasingly identifies with the West in its cultural affinities and trade patterns, and maintains close relations with the European Union, Greece, Armenia, Lebanon, and Russia.
The prime originator of Cypriot non-alignment was Archbishop of Cyprus Makarios III, the first President (1960–1977) of the independent republic of Cyprus. Prior to independence, Makarios - by virtue of his post as Archbishop of Cyprus and head of the Cypriot Orthodox Church - was the Greek Cypriot Ethnarch, or de facto leader of the community. A highly influential figure well before independence, he participated in the 1955 Bandung Conference. After independence, Makarios took part in the 1961 founding meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade.
Reasons for this neutrality may lie in the extreme pressures exerted on the infant Republic by its larger neighbours, Turkey and Greece. Intercommunal rivalries and movements for union with Greece or partial union with Turkey may have persuaded Makarios to steer clear of close affiliation with either side. In any case Cyprus became a high-profile member of the Non-Aligned Movement and retained its membership until its entry into the European Union in 2004. At the non-governmental level, Cyprus has also been a member of the popular extension of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organisation hosting several high-level meetings.
Immediately after the 1974 Greek-sponsored coup d'état and the Turkish invasion, Makarios secured international recognition of his administration as the legitimate government of the whole island. This was disputed only by Turkey, which currently recognizes only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established in 1983.
Since the 1974 crisis, the chief aim of the foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus has been to secure the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the reunification of the island under the most favorable constitutional and territorial settlement possible. This campaign has been pursued primarily through international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, and in recent years through the European Union.
Country | Formal relations began | Notes |
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3 April 1979 | See Algeria–Cyprus relations |
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February 22, 2005 |
Diplomatic relations between Botswana and Cyprus were established on February 22, 2005.[4] |
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31 May 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 31, 2000.[9] |
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Cyprus is represented in Comoros by its embassy in Pretoria.[10] | |
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30 September 1960, severed diplomatic relations 21 February 1978, Restored 30 May 1984 | See Cyprus–Egypt relations
Egypt is a close ally of Cyprus with whom it shares an oilfield. Egypt Conquered Cyprus many times in both ancient, Medieval and Modern era and it was ruled by Egyptians during many period which added bases of Egyptian culture to the local culture and supported increasing the relationship between both countries for many ages, The relationship between the two countries was also strained in February 1978 when Cypriot National Guardsmen shot dead Egyptian Commandos at Larnaca International Airport when the commandos attempted to intervene in a hostage situation. |
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December 8, 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 8, 2000.[14] |
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20 May 2008 | |
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25 February 2004 |
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8 November 1973 |
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22 June 2000 |
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February 1, 2001[22] |
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1979 | |
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7 November 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 7, 2000.[27] |
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22 November 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 22, 2000.[28] |
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1 July 1976 |
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December 10, 1993 | |
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24 September 2015 |
Cyprus is represented in Togo by its embassy in Paris, France.[34] |
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5 November 1999 |
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22 July 2004 |
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20 May 1968 and 3 June 1968 |
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21 July 2000 |
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July 21, 1964 | |
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See Canada–Cyprus relations
Canadian bilateral political relations with Cyprus stemmed initially from Cypriot Commonwealth membership at independence in 1960 (that had followed a guerrilla struggle with Britain). These relations quickly expanded in 1964 when Canada became a major troop contributor to UNFICYP. The participation lasted for the next 29 years, during which 50,000 Canadian soldiers served and 28 were killed. In large measure Canadian relations with Cyprus continue to revolve around support for the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, G8 and others to resolve the Island's divided status. Contacts with Cyprus on other issues also take place in international organizations such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Nations. | |
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25 January 1966 and 14 May 1970 |
In 2010, both Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation agreement regarding tourism and the war on drugs.[49] |
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13 June 2001 |
Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. A Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Commonwealth of Dominica was signed on the 13 June 2001 in New York[50] |
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11 February 1972 |
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20 February 1974 | See Cyprus–Mexico relations |
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1 April 1971 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1971.[53] |
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19 September 1966 | |
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2 August 2006 |
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25 July 1980 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 25, 1980.[56] |
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16 August 1960 | See Cyprus–United States relations
Cyprus president Dimitris Christofias and Cyprus first lady with U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
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18 March 1992 | See Armenia–Cyprus relations
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14 December 1971 | See China–Cyprus relations |
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20 June 2002 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on June 12, 2002.[62] |
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9 July 1992 | See Cyprus–Georgia relations
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10 February 1962 | See Cyprus–India relations
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1960s |
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4 December 1987 | |
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17 August 1960 | See Cyprus–Israel relations
In the case of Israel, Cyprus has occasionally outwardly backed the Palestinians in the Arab–Israeli conflict, to the annoyance of some in the Israeli government. Cyprus, like over 100 other countries, officially recognizes Palestine as a de facto state. The island is also host to a number of Palestinian and Lebanese refugees. Relations between the two countries continued to suffer when Cypriot first lady Antroulla Vasiliou, the wife of the then President George Vasiliou, was declared persona non grata in Israel when a delegation she was leading attempted to meet with Yasser Arafat, who was under house arrest. Controversy and public outcry arose in the early 2000s, when members of the Cypriot branch of the Greek Orthodox Church were accused of selling church-owned land in the West Bank to Israeli developers, putting Cypriot commitment to the Palestinian cause at question. The expulsion of two alleged Israeli spies from the island in 1998 also caused tension between the two governments. The two countries now appear to be on improving terms, there has been coopertation on numerous areas but mostly on agriculture, military and tourism. The Cypriot government has also been reported to be making deals with both Israel and Egypt in exploring for oil off the southern Cyprus coast. Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Cyprus at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart when Netanyahu was in Washington for the direct talks with the Palestinian leader. Lieberman and Cypriot foreign minister Kyprianou have met several times this year in an effort to strengthen relations between their countries.
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11 May 1962 |
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11 January 1962 |
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2 April 1992 |
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20 February 1992 |
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3 May 2005 | See Cyprus–Kuwait relations
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20 September 1960 |
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1 November 1987 | |
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19 December 1973 and 19 December 1979 | |
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23 December 1991 |
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1978 |
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1988 |
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21 February 2001 | See Cyprus–Qatar relations
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27 October 1961 | See Cyprus–Saudi Arabia relations
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28 December 1995[80] |
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March 1981 |
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27 February 1992 |
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5 May 1980 | |
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16 August 1960, diplomatic relations broke off 5 March 1976 |
Turkey does not recognize the government of the Republic of Cyprus, stating that the Republic—as established by the Constitution of 1960—ceased to exist when the intercommunal violence that commenced in December 1963 ended Turkish Cypriot participation in the Cypriot government. The attempted coup in July 1974—engineered by Greek Military Junta—was responded to by Turkey by a full military invasion, which resulted in the northern third of the island being occupied by Turkish military forces. This portion of Cyprus unilaterally declared independence in November 1983 as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which only Turkey recognizes. Turkey refers to the Republic of Cyprus government as "The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus." Cyprus takes the view that the TRNC government is a puppet administration, and thus prefers to negotiate with Turkey over the resolution of the Cyprus Problem. Turkey insists that the TRNC government is the institution that the RoC government must refer to in negotiations. Cyprus' accession to the European Union has had a negative impact on Turkey in regards to its own accession negotiations. The refusal of Turkey to allow Cypriot-flagged ships to access Turkish ports has resulted in a partial suspension of its accession negotiations. |
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12 April 1978 and 6 June 2007 | See Cyprus–United Arab Emirates relations
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29 November 1975 |
Cyprus is represented in Vietnam through its embassy in New Delhi, India. Vietnam is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Tripoli, Libya. |
Cyprus' 1990 application for full EU membership caused a storm in the Turkish Cypriot community, which argued that the move required their consent. Following the December 1997 EU Summit decisions on EU enlargement, accession negotiations began 31 March 1998. Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. To fulfil its commitment as a member of the European Union, Cyprus withdrew from the Non-Aligned Movement on accession, retaining observer status.
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28 August 1991 |
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See Austria–Cyprus relations
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1960 |
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30 October 1960 | See Bulgaria–Cyprus relations
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4 February 1993 | See Croatia–Cyprus relations
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1 February 1961 and 1 January 1993 | See Cyprus–Czech Republic relations
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2 November 1960 | See Cyprus–Denmark relations
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20 December 1991 |
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29 September 1961 | See Cyprus–Finland relations
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16 August 1960 | See Cyprus–France relations
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20 August 1960 | See Cyprus–Germany relations
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16 August 1960 |
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18 October 1960 |
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4 September 1979 | |
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23 November 1984 | See Cyprus–Ireland relations
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1960 |
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3 December 1992 |
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13 September 1972 | See Cyprus–Malta relations
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21 February 1992 | |
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24 February 2011 | |
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12 March 2007 | See Cyprus–Montenegro relations
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1960 | See Cyprus–Netherlands relations
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30 August 2019 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 29, 2019.[107][108][109] |
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22 March 1963 | See Cyprus–Norway relations
Cyprus–Norway relations are foreign relations between Cyprus and Norway. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963.[110] The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields".[111] Neither country has resident ambassadors. Cyprus is represented in Norway through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, and 2 honorary consulates, one in Oslo and the second in Kristiansand. Norway is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece, and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[112] Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963.[111] On 21 August 1951, there was a Consular Convention and an Exchange of Letters relating to establishing diplomatic relations. On 2 May 1951, there was a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. On 17 May 1962, there was an Exchange of Letters constituting an Agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirement in Nicosia. On 5 March 1963, there was an Agreement on Commercial Scheduled Air Transport signed in London.[113] The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus.[114] Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway.[115][116][117] In 1996 tax rules in Norway were changed to keep shipping companies competitive and under the Norwegian flag. By 2008 changes to the tonnage tax regime to harmonize them with the European Union forced some companies to register in Cyprus.[118] Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus.[119] Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime.[120] |
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15 January 1961 | See Cyprus–Poland relations
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5 March 1975 |
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15 November 1960 |
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18 August 1960 | See Cyprus–Russia relations
Presidents of Russia and Cyprus meet at least once every year.
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7 October 1960 | See Cyprus–Serbia relations
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1 January 1993 |
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10 December 1992 |
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25 December 1967 | See Cyprus–Spain relations
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12 December 1960 | See Cyprus–Sweden relations
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19 February 1992 | |
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16 August 1960 | See Cyprus–United Kingdom relations
The continuing British sovereignty of the Dhekelia and Akrotiri areas, has continued to divide Cypriots. The Sovereign Base Areas are not under the jurisdiction of the Cypriot government. Several Cypriot villages remain enclaved in the areas, and there have been numerous arrests of anti-British demonstrators over the past few years. These activists assert that the UK should not continue to hold territory in another European state. |
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1978 |
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23 March 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on March 23, 2000.[134] |
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31 March 1978 |
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24 May 2000 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on March 24, 2000.[136][137]
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May 5, 2010 |
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June 22, 2009 |
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26 February 1990 |
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The Republic of Cyprus maintains diplomatic relations with 179 states (including the Holy See and Palestinian National Authority) and is United Nations, Union for the Mediterranean and European Union full member. It does not maintain diplomatic relations with:[139][140]
The 1974 invasion of the Turkish army divided the island nation into two. The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus currently has effective control in the south of the island (59% of the island's land area) while its area not under its effective control makes up 37% of the island. Turkey utilising the territory occupied during the invasion recognizes a declared separatist[142] UDI of Turkish Cypriots in 1983, contrary to multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The two territories of the Republic are separated by a United Nations Buffer Zone (4% of the island); there are two UK sovereign base areas mostly within the Greek Cypriot portion of the island.
Cyprus is a minor transit point for cannabis and cocaine via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon; some hashish transits as well. The island has also been criticised for supposedly lax guns control legislation.
Although Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960, Cyprus has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1961.