Cyprus and Palestine have reaffirmed their longstanding relations, with President Nikos Christodoulides and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussing regional security, humanitarian assistance and efforts to achieve peace based on United Nations resolutions.
The meeting in Nicosia took place against a backdrop of continued regional tensions, with both leaders highlighting their countries’ longstanding ties and the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue.
Christodoulides said the Republic of Cyprus recognised the State of Palestine in 1988, adding that relations between the two sides dated back even further.
Cyprus highlights humanitarian support for Palestine
In his opening remarks, Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ position that the Palestinian issue should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions.
He said Cyprus was committed to helping create conditions for regional security and highlighted the humanitarian assistance it provides to the Palestinian people.
The President also referred to the use of Cyprus’ CYCLOPS training centre in Larnaca by Palestinians, as well as Palestine’s participation in an aerial firefighting centre established in Paphos with the European Union.
Christodoulides described the visit as taking place at a significant moment for the region and said he looked forward to exchanging views on how the two sides could work together constructively.
“Cyprus is part of the solution to the problems in the region, not part of the problems,” he said, adding that the Republic was willing to play a role in efforts to address regional challenges.
Abbas thanks Cyprus for political and humanitarian support
Abbas thanked Cyprus for its warm welcome and praised the Republic for recognising Palestine in 1988, saying the decision reflected its support for the rights of the Palestinian people.
He stressed that relations between the two sides had developed long before formal recognition and expressed gratitude for Cyprus’ continued political and humanitarian assistance.
Abbas also emphasised that Palestine was concerned about regional security, including relations with Israel, and opposed military confrontations.
He said the Palestinian issue should be resolved on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions.
Palestinian leader calls for peaceful resolution
Abbas said Palestine supported peaceful popular resistance in response to violations of Palestinian rights.
He added that the meeting with Christodoulides would provide an opportunity to exchange views on the situation and the hardships faced by Palestinians.
Abbas said the Palestinian leadership had sought peace with Israel for many years, expressing support for a settlement that would bring peace between Israel, Palestine and Arab countries.
Abbas urges Cyprus to support future talks with Israel
Asked about the elections in Israel, Abbas said the Palestinian side was waiting for the political situation to become clearer and for a new government to be formed.
He said Palestine would be willing to engage in discussions with the new Israeli government once it was in place.
Abbas also called on Cyprus to support the process, citing the Republic’s relations with both sides and its stated commitment to regional peace.
The meeting underscored the two sides’ shared emphasis on diplomacy, humanitarian support and a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue based on international resolutions.
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