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Historic’ visit, but Cyprus must not lose sight of its existential issue
The recent visit of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) marks a critical juncture in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The fact that this is the first visit by a British PM since the invasion underscores its importance. The reasons behind such a long overdue visit are beyond the scope of this article.
This historic moment provides an opportunity to align mutual interests and chart a path for a meaningful and mutually advantageous strategic partnership.
The symbolic dimension of the visit
Sir Keir’s decision to arrive via Larnaca airport, rather than the British bases, is a gesture rich in symbolism, signalling respect for Cyprus’ sovereignty and a potential shift in the UK’s approach to its relationship with the RoC. Moreover, his act of laying a wreath at the statue of the first president of RoC, once considered a “terrorist” by London, highlights a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations while acknowledging the RoC’s history.
The meetings between Sir Keir and President Nikos Christodoulides, both in Nicosia and in London this past October, reinforce the impression that a “new chapter” is unfolding in the relations between the two nations.
Cyprus was one of Sir Keir’s stops on a tour that included the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The primary objectives of these visits were to promote investments, develop collaborations in green energy, harness technology – including artificial intelligence – and, of course, enhance security.
In the post-Brexit era, the UK seeks to redefine its global position as “Global Britain” within an ever-changing geopolitical environment. The RoC, as a stabilising factor in the Eastern Mediterranean and a member of both the Commonwealth and the EU, is a significant partner in this geopolitical equation.
A new strategic partnership
The two leaders agreed to promote a strategic partnership that reflects the strengthening relationship between RoC and the UK, which has been building gradually over the last years. The 2014 agreement on the Non-Military Development of the Bases was a pivotal moment, opening new prospects for bilateral relations.
This evolving dynamic, combined with RoC’s growing strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean, its strategic relationships with the US and France, and the unpredictability of Trump’s presidency, may have prompted the UK to adopt a more proactive approach to maintain its geopolitical influence.
The upcoming bilateral strategic dialogue in London, with the participation of Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos later this month, is not just a routine meeting, but a foundation for a new era of cooperation. For this collaboration to have substantial impact, however, it must produce concrete and measurable outcomes in critical areas such as security, defence, and energy. Words alone will not suffice – deliverables will determine success.
The RoC has already demonstrated its consistency as a reliable and predictable producer of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. It has been, and remains, firmly within the western security architecture. The UK must fully recognise this role, moving beyond viewing the RoC merely as a function of its military bases.
The role of the bases
The British bases are not only a matter of concern for Nicosia but also for London. For the RoC, they are seen as a colonial legacy. While they provide significant strategic advantages to the UK, they occasionally expose Cyprus to external threats. Their operation is heavily reliant on the RoC, as the BBs lack self-sufficiency in basic infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and road access. They depend on the goodwill and cooperation of the RoC.
This dependency underscores that collaboration with the RoC is not a choice but a necessity for the UK. Consequently, the UK must treat the RoC as an equal partner and not merely as an extension of its geopolitical interests.
The UK’s guarantor responsibility
Sir Keir’s visit, though historic, was not accompanied by public statements on the Cyprus question. A historic visit that avoided addressing publicly the “historic” and existential issue of Cyprus, raises serious questions about the messages being sent to both the people of Cyprus as a whole and to Turkey, potentially reinforcing a sense of uncertainty.
The PM’s office limited itself to the statement: “On the issue of Cyprus’s reunification, the Prime Minister stated that he is fully aware of the important role of the United Kingdom as a Guarantor Power and expressed his desire to see a lasting resolution to the dispute.” However, his statement, vague and general, is susceptible to different interpretations.
Despite the lack of public declarations, the UK’s legal and moral commitment as a guarantor power of the independence and territorial integrity of the RoC, remains fundamental. London must actively champion a solution that delivers genuine peace, security and prosperity first and foremost for all Cypriots, without overlords, fulfilling its obligations while contributing to regional stability.
The UK’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, held key meetings with negotiators during Starner’s visit from both communities, reflecting intentions for a more substantial UK involvement in the resolution process.
The day after
The UK PM’s visit provides an excellent opportunity to redefine RoC-UK relations. Against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts and economic challenges, deeper cooperation can act as a catalyst for development and stability in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southwest Asia.
The UK must recognise the RoC as an autonomous and critical player in regional security, stability and development. At the same time, the RoC must ensure that these strategic partnerships (with the US, UK and France) yield tangible benefits for its people, its economy and its national security. Balancing expectations is a significant diplomatic challenge, but the opportunity presented is historic.
Cyprus must persist in pursuing a multilayered and multidimensional foreign policy, always striving to elevate it to the next level with a forward-looking perspective. It must contribute meaningfully, both in word and deed, to a common agenda that fosters unity, whether within the EU family, the broader western security architecture, or other strategic frameworks. It cannot afford to be monothematic, a limitation that characterised its approach until recent years. Nor can it sideline its existential issue: the resolution of the Cyprus question, for the benefit of all its people.
While Cyprus must continue to contribute, it must also ensure that it receives in equal measure. Mutuality defines diplomacy. What tangible progress is being achieved on our existential issue? This critical question demands a clear, thoughtful and transparent response from the Cypriot leadership.
REUTERS