KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) across various sectors during the EU–GCC Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the summit. Cypriot Foreign Minister praised the positive trajectory of Cyprus–Kuwait relations, describing them as “friendly and rooted in mutual respect and shared challenges as small states in a turbulent region both having experienced foreign invasion.”
He noted that the first round of political consultations held in Kuwait in 2022 marked an important milestone in bilateral ties, stating “We now look forward to building on that momentum, and my meeting with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the EU–GCC Ministerial will mark another important step in this direction.”
He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to enhancing relations both bilaterally and within the broader EU–GCC framework, highlighting the Amalthea Humanitarian Initiative, which provides aid to civilians in Gaza, as a prime example of cooperation, praising Kuwaiti organizations for contributing 700 tons of humanitarian aid. The minister said “Cyprus will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2026,” adding “We have placed the Middle East and the Gulf at the center of our priorities, and I believe this will help deepen Cyprus–Kuwait relations, as well as EU–GCC ties overall.”
Concerning investment opportunities, Minister Kombos welcomed Kuwaiti businessmen, saying Cyprus offers “a unique blend of strategic location, a business-friendly environment, and access to the European market.” He noted that Cyprus and Kuwait have signed a double taxation avoidance agreement to facilitate trade and economic exchange, explaining “Our financial sector, including investment funds and asset management, presents promising opportunities for Kuwaiti investors.”
He continued that the country’s stable legal system, favorable tax regime, and high-quality services create an attractive environment for foreign investors, acknowledging that Cypriot investment in Kuwait remains modest, mainly in trade, maritime services, education, and finance. However, he emphasized that there is “strong potential for growth,” especially as Kuwait advances its Vision 2035 strategy to diversify the economy. “With Kuwait’s large-scale projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, real estate, and smart cities, new opportunities are opening up,” he said. “These align well with Cypriot expertise in construction, renewable energy, hospitality, and education.”
He also highlighted the role of the Cyprus–Kuwait Business Association, operating under the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in promoting trade and socio-economic cooperation. The minister stated that Cyprus and Kuwait are currently working on several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding covering areas such as security, culture, and water management, saying “We remain committed to formalizing cooperation in these key areas.” He also welcomed recent progress in higher education cooperation, noting that after sustained efforts, Kuwait officially recognized the University of Cyprus in 2022 and the Dental School of the European University Cyprus in 2024.
Tourism remains a vital sector for Cyprus, the minister expressed optimism about closer collaboration, revealing “The resumption of flights this summer has strengthened tourism flow between Cyprus and Kuwait. We are now working toward establishing year-round flights and broader initiatives to promote both destinations.” Kombos said he looks forward to welcoming his Kuwaiti counterpart to Cyprus at the earliest possible convenience, emphasizing that high-level visits will further consolidate bilateral relations.
On regional developments, he reaffirmed Cyprus’s recognition of Palestine since 1988 and reiterated support for a two-state solution based on UN resolutions. “As the closest EU member state to the Middle East, Cyprus has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza,” he said. He added that Cyprus continues to contribute to relief efforts through the Amalthea maritime corridor and welcomed the peace proposal announced by President Trump as “a vital step toward ending the war and the humanitarian catastrophe.” “We call on all parties to accept its parameters as a basis for progress and to reach a deal for its implementation,” he concluded.
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