Ties between Russia and Cyprus, particularly in the cultural and social spheres, continue to strengthen, according to Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Zyazikov.
Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, Zyazikov referred to a series of events held in Cyprus in September and thanked the Cypriot authorities for their cooperation in facilitating Russia’s State Duma elections on the island.
He said the start of autumn was marked by political, social, educational and cultural activities that contributed to closer contacts between the two countries.
Elections and film festival highlighted
Among the main events, Zyazikov highlighted voting in Cyprus for Russia’s State Duma elections and the “Russian-Cypriot Cinema Days” festival.
He described the film festival as the first event of its kind in several years to feature productions from both countries.
The ambassador also highlighted the participation of the Russian community in Cyprus in Russian elections, referring to both the presidential election in March 2024 and the State Duma election in September 2026.
Ambassador thanks Cypriot authorities
Zyazikov expressed particular appreciation for the stance of the Republic of Cyprus, thanking central and local authorities as well as law enforcement services for the conditions under which the events were held.
He said the Cypriot authorities helped provide “safe and comfortable conditions” for the elections, the Russian-Cypriot film festival and other activities supported by the Russian Embassy.
Zyazikov contrasts Cyprus with EU stance
The Russian ambassador contrasted what he described as Cyprus’ approach with the wider policy of the European Union towards Moscow.
“Despite the fact that Brussels’ rhetoric is full of anti-Russian narratives, in Cyprus we encounter an understanding of the importance of the parliamentary elections in our country,” he said.
Zyazikov thanked the Cypriot authorities for what he described as a “constructive and respectful approach” to the voting process.
According to the Russian diplomat, the recent activities show that cultural and social contacts between Russians and Cypriots continue to be maintained and developed despite the wider political environment surrounding Russia-EU relations.
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