Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the British High Commissioner’s reception on the occasion of the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III

We are gathered on this Cypriot summer evening in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. Together, we extend heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to His Majesty, the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom (UK) for health, joy, and prosperity.

This day of celebration serves as an opportunity to honour the enduring and continuously evolving relationship between Cyprus and the UK. One that is defined by our shared history, fortified by close, strategic bilateral cooperation, and anchored on an unbreakable people-to-people bond. And the latter is precisely the driving force of this unique strategic partnership. It is a heart that beats with the hundreds of thousands of Cypriots that live and work, that have studied in their most formative years in the UK, together with the 70,000 British citizens who have embraced Cyprus and made it their home.

This special relationship knows no limits. It is one that does not forget its past, while it renews its promise for its present and future. Building block by block with determination, mutual respect and above all, a common vision and purpose.

It is no coincidence that the past nine months have been marked by the historic visit of Prime Minister Starmer to Cyprus last December. The first by a British Prime Minister in over half a century.

This visit came after my visit to the UK and the meeting with the Prime Minister two months earlier, in October, and of course, our third meeting in less than a year in London this past May.

The political commitment is real, the momentum is palpable, and the results tangible.

This is a strategic partnership that is mutually beneficial at all levels and one that goes from strength to strength.

The renewed momentum in Cyprus-UK relations comes at a moment of a renewed relationship between the European Union (EU) and the UK. In May, the EU-UK Summit was a milestone, as it established a new strategic partnership between two natural strategic allies.

The UK was and remains an indispensable partner for Europe. Geopolitical developments dictate that to tackle common challenges, challenges that are complex, we must come together. From security to defence, to energy transition and to youth mobility.

The May EU-UK Summit was only the beginning of what is a new chapter in our relations. And I am particularly pleased that as we work on bigger, bolder steps, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU on the 1^st of January 2026, and in this capacity will do its utmost to further advance EU-UK relations.

At the core of the bond between Cyprus and the UK is our common values: respect for international law; democracy; human rights; rule of law.

At this juncture of geopolitical turmoil and uncertainty, these values must be our guiding light and our compass.

In this regard, I would like to reiterate our appreciation for the UK’s support, including in its capacity as a Permanent Member of the Security Council, to our efforts to resume negotiations for a viable, lasting, comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, firmly anchored on the agreed United Nations (UN) framework.

We count on the UK’s continued support to reunify Cyprus and its people, end military occupation by Turkey on European territory. A reunified Cyprus that is truly independent, able to maintain its role as an enabler and provider of security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East.

As President of the Republic of Cyprus, I have solemnly undertaken a responsibility and an unwavering commitment towards all Cypriots, Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, Latins: to exert every possible effort for peace. To strive for a reunified country, free of foreign troops and occupations. To create a path for peace through reunification; peace that can only come through commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions, for a solution in line with EU law, values, and principles. Because I know only too well that the current status quo robs Cyprus and its people of their full potential.

I welcome the appointments of both the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the Special Envoy of the President of the European Commission as tangible steps that demonstrate commitment to Cyprus and to the resumption of talks.

The appointment of the EU Special Envoy who will support the work of the UN stems from the fact that Cyprus is and will continue to be an EU member state post reunification. It also provides an opportunity to create a dynamic in the process, at a time when Turkey has proclaimed its desire to come closer to the EU.

Once again, I wish to extend our warmest wishes to His Majesty and the Royal Family. May the ties between Cyprus and the UK continue to strengthen for progress, for peace, and for the generations to come.

(RM/NZ/GS)

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