President Christodoulides’ official visit
President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides is continuing his official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a trip that underscores Cyprus’ commitment to deepening ties with Gulf countries, particularly Bahrain, according to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
He described the visit as taking place at a “particularly significant juncture,” noting that Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, while Bahrain presides over the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2026–2027 and serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. “These factors give the visit substantial political weight and enhance its strategic significance at bilateral, regional and international levels,” he added.
Strategic bilateral cooperation
Letymbiotis highlighted that the visit reflects Cyprus’ determination to further strengthen ties with Gulf countries, especially Bahrain. It also aligns with a key priority of the Cypriot EU Council Presidency: upgrading EU relations with Middle Eastern and Gulf nations based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared goals of stability and security.
As small island states in a complex geopolitical environment, Cyprus and Bahrain share common views on their international roles. Both conduct active, multidimensional diplomacy prioritising regional security, stability, and peaceful coexistence. Their cooperation relies on mutual respect, international law, and coordinated action at regional and global levels.
Agreements and memoranda signed
The visit also involved signing several agreements and memoranda of understanding, outcomes of extensive preparatory work, which strengthen the institutional framework of bilateral cooperation and open new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
A Joint Action Plan, agreed by the foreign ministers of both countries in April 2025, provides a clear roadmap for deepening cooperation across political, economic, investment, energy, educational, and cultural sectors.
Embassy inauguration and business forum
Today, President Christodoulides will address a business forum organised by the Chambers of Commerce of Cyprus and Bahrain, and officially inaugurate the Cypriot Embassy in Manama, which was established at the end of 2023. Cyprus is now the fourth EU member state to maintain an embassy in Bahrain.
Yesterday, he met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. During expanded talks between the delegations, the President emphasised the visit’s symbolic and practical significance, reflecting both nations’ shared determination to enhance bilateral relations across political, strategic, and economic dimensions.
The King welcomed the President and highlighted the longstanding, exceptional relations between the two countries, grounded in mutual understanding, respect, shared values, and constructive cooperation.
Cooperation across sectors
The visit also saw the signing of an agreement on mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and memoranda in areas including military cooperation, diplomatic training, search and rescue, culture, antiquities, crafts, and tourism, alongside a partnership between the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Bahrain’s Chamber of Commerce.
President Christodoulides visited the Investment Fund building, meeting officials and members of the Fund in the presence of Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
He was accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Energy, the Government Spokesperson, the Deputy Minister to the President, the National Security Advisor, the Director of his Diplomatic Office, and other officials.
Cyprus as an EU–Gulf bridge
President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ role as the EU’s closest member state to the Gulf, acting as a reliable bridge between Brussels and the GCC. He emphasised the importance of enhancing strategic EU–Gulf relations, including completing the EU–GCC Free Trade Agreement, liberalising visa regimes, and initiating negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement.
Economic and FinTech collaboration
The President highlighted opportunities for collaboration in finance and technology, noting that Cyprus provides a gateway to the EU single market, with extensive double taxation avoidance agreements and a stable regulatory environment. Macroeconomic indicators point to strong growth, fiscal stability, low unemployment, sustained surpluses, and declining public debt for 2025–2026, reinforcing investor confidence.
Shared principles on peace and maritime security
On Middle East security, Cyprus and Bahrain share converging views favouring peace and stability, emphasising maritime trade route security. Cyprus, as a top global shipping hub, actively supports the EU’s Integrated Maritime Security Strategy.
The President also underlined frequent ministerial meetings and regular coordination among National Security Advisors, affirming Cyprus’ commitment to further upgrading its strategic relationship with Bahrain.
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