Cyprus sees considerable scope to deepen its partnership with the United States, particularly in maritime security, crisis response, and humanitarian operations. As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East, Nicosia also seeks to strengthen its role as a trusted bridge between Europe and its wider neighborhood by expanding strategic partnerships and promoting greater regional connectivity.
In this interview with the Middle East Forum Observer, Cyprus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos discusses the future of U.S.- Cyprus strategic relations, maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus’ engagement with Central Asia, and the geopolitical implications of Turkey’s growing regional influence.
He offers his assessment of the prospects for regional integration in the Middle East following the war in Gaza, the future of the Abraham Accords, the principal security challenges likely to shape the region over the next decade, and Cyprus’ vision for advancing stability, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
MEFO: U.S.-Cyprus relations are at their strongest to date. In your view, what would represent the next major step in this relationship? Do you see scope for deeper United States engagement in maritime security and humanitarian operations in the Eastern Mediterranean?
Kombos: Cyprus and the United States have developed a close strategic partnership in recent years. Through sustained effort and a clear strategic vision, we have significantly strengthened our bilateral relations, working to institutionalize them through the Strategic Dialogue framework.
Our Bilateral Cooperation Roadmap spans a broad range of areas, including security and defense, energy, crisis management, humanitarian operations, law enforcement, the economy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Cyprus is committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States and maintaining the strong upward trajectory of our bilateral relations. We have established a regular and substantive political dialogue, with particular emphasis on the geopolitical developments shaping our region.
“Cyprus is committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States and maintaining the strong upward trajectory of our bilateral relations.”
Looking ahead, we see considerable scope to deepen our cooperation, particularly in maritime security, crisis response, and humanitarian operations. Maritime security, in particular, is a strategic priority for Cyprus, was one of the main priorities of our presidency of the Council of the EU, and remains an essential pillar for regional stability.
As an island state at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Cyprus firmly believes that safeguarding the freedom of navigation, protecting critical maritime infrastructure, and strengthening cooperation against emerging threats are collective responsibilities. Through close partnerships with our partners in the European Union, the United States, and regional partners, Cyprus supports enhanced maritime domain awareness, joint crisis response, and humanitarian operations, while remaining firmly committed to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as the foundation for security, stability, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus has consistently demonstrated that it is a reliable, predictable, and trusted partner of the United States in the Eastern Mediterranean.
President Nikos Christodoulides’ visits to India and Kazakhstan, as well as your own engagements with Central Asian countries, have highlighted Cyprus’ growing interest in the region connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. What is the strategic rationale behind this approach, and what would constitute the first tangible indication of its success?
My recent tour of Central Asia marked an important milestone, reflecting the outcome of the systematic diplomatic work we have undertaken over the past three years in a region that presents undeniable challenges. We firmly believe that such challenges require even greater persistence, consistency, and strategic engagement.
The visit itself, the memoranda of cooperation that were signed, and the high-level bilateral meetings held are tangible results of sustained preparation and coordinated diplomatic efforts. More importantly, they have laid the foundations for a deeper and more structured relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and the countries of Central Asia.
Ultimately, success will be measured by stronger political dialogue, expanded economic cooperation, increased connectivity, and the development of long-term partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.
Turkey is seeking to strengthen its role as a hub between Europe and Asia through the Middle Corridor and its growing ties with Central Asia. Do you see an emerging competition for influence across the wider region? And how does Cyprus position itself within this evolving geoeconomic landscape?
Central Asia is a region of considerable strategic importance for Cyprus. We approach it with realism and a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges involved.
We do not view international relations as a zero-sum exercise. Many countries are seeking to strengthen their role as connectors between Europe and Asia, and we believe there is room for complementary approaches. Cyprus’ comparative advantages lie in its membership of the European Union, its strategic location, and its reputation as a reliable and predictable partner.
Our objective is to strengthen our own partnerships and contribute to greater regional connectivity by serving as a trusted bridge between Europe and our wider neighborhood.
Minister, turning to regional security, how has the war in Gaza affected the way countries in the region perceive their security? Do you believe the process of regional integration that began with the Abraham Accords can continue, or has it been placed on hold indefinitely?
The war in Gaza has heightened security concerns across the region and served as a stark reminder that instability affects everyone. It has reinforced the importance of stronger regional cooperation, respect for international law, and renewed efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The Abraham Accords have undoubtedly lost momentum, but I would not say they have been placed on hold indefinitely. The underlying rationale for regional integration remains more pertinent than ever before. Cyprus believes that deeper regional cooperation and meaningful progress towards a two-state solution should advance together, as both are essential for achieving long-term stability, security, and prosperity.
What do you consider to be the greatest challenge to regional stability over the next five years: armed conflict, economic uncertainty, or great-power competition?
“I would like Cyprus to be recognized as a trusted bridge—bringing partners together, facilitating dialogue, and promoting practical cooperation.”
These challenges are deeply interconnected, but if I had to identify the most pressing, it would be renewed conflicts in the region. Ongoing wars and unresolved disputes fuel economic uncertainty, intensify geopolitical competition, and undermine regional cooperation.
Our priority must, therefore, remain conflict-prevention, diplomacy, and the strengthening of partnerships that enhance regional resilience and contribute to lasting stability.
If the Middle East of 2035 is more stable, prosperous and interconnected than it is today, what role would you like Cyprus to have played in that transformation?
I would like Cyprus to be recognized as a trusted bridge—bringing partners together, facilitating dialogue, and promoting practical cooperation. As a reliable regional partner and the only Member State of the European Union that is part of this region, we aspire to contribute to a Middle East that is more connected, more resilient, and more peaceful through active diplomacy, energy cooperation, humanitarian action, and an unwavering commitment to international law.
If Cyprus can help foster greater trust, stronger partnerships, and a more stable regional environment, we will have made a meaningful contribution to that transformation.
