Foreign relations of Cyprus


Cyprus is a member of the United Nations along with most of its agencies as well as the Commonwealth of Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Council of Europe. In addition, the country has signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Agreement. Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and in the second half of the 2012 it held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Non-alignment

has historically followed a non-aligned foreign policy, although it increasingly identifies with the West in its cultural affinities and trade patterns, and maintains close relations with the European Union, Greece and Israel.
at a state visit in Munich with the German Chancellor in 1962
countries in Limassol during Cyprus Presidency of the EU in 2012
The prime originator of Cypriot non-alignment was Archbishop of Cyprus Makarios III, the first President of the independent republic of Cyprus. Prior to independence, Makarios - by virtue of his post as Archbishop of Cyprus and head of the Cypriot Orthodox Church - was the Greek Cypriot Ethnarch, or de facto leader of the community. A highly influential figure well before independence, he participated in the 1955 Bandung Conference. After independence, Makarios took part in the 1961 founding meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade.
Reasons for this neutrality may lie in the extreme pressures exerted on the infant Republic by its larger neighbours, Turkey and Greece. Intercommunal rivalries and movements for union with Greece or partial union with Turkey may have persuaded Makarios to steer clear of close affiliation with either side. In any case Cyprus became a high-profile member of the Non-Aligned Movement and retained its membership until its entry into the European Union in 2004. At the non-governmental level, Cyprus has also been a member of the popular extension of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organisation hosting several high-level meetings.
Immediately after the 1974 Greek-sponsored coup d'état and the Turkish invasion, Makarios secured international recognition of his administration as the legitimate government of the whole island. This was disputed only by Turkey, which currently recognizes only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established in 1983.
Since the 1974 crisis, the chief aim of the foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus has been to secure the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the reunification of the island under the most favorable constitutional and territorial settlement possible. This campaign has been pursued primarily through international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, and in recent years through the European Union.

Bilateral relations

Africa

CountryFormal relations beganNotes
See Algeria–Cyprus relations
  • Algeria is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Beirut.
  • Cyprus is represented in Algeria through its embassy in Paris.
  • Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Relations are normal.
February 22, 2005Diplomatic relations between Botswana and Cyprus were established on February 22, 2005.

2000Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 31, 2000.

Cyprus is represented in Comoros by its embassy in Pretoria.
See Cyprus–Egypt relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Cairo.
  • Egypt has an embassy in Nicosia.
Egypt is a close ally of Cyprus with whom it shares an oilfield. Egypt Conquered Cyprus many times in both ancient, Medieval and Modern era and it was ruled by Egyptians during many period which added bases of Egyptian culture to the local culture and supported increasing the relationship between both countries for many ages, The relationship between the two countries was also strained in February 1978 when Cypriot National Guardsmen shot dead Egyptian Commandos at Larnaca International Airport when the commandos attempted to intervene in a hostage situation.

  • Cyprus is represented in Swaziland through its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa and by an honorary consulate in Mbabane.
  • Swaziland is represented in Cyprus through its High Commission in London.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
December 8, 2000Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 8, 2000.
May 21, 2008
25 February 2004
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 2004.
  • Cyprus is represented in Lesotho through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Lesotho is represented in Cyprus via parallel accreditation of its embassy in London.
  • Both countries are full members of Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is accredited to Libya from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia.
  • Libya has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus is represented in Madagascar through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Cyprus also has an honorary consulate in Antananarivo.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on June 22, 2000.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is represented in Mauritania by its embassy in Tripoli.
  • Mauritania is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Rome.
    • February 1, 2001
  • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations
  • List of biliteral agreements.
  • Cyprus is represented in Mauritius through its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Cyprus is represented in Morocco through its embassy in Lisbon.
  • Morocco is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens and through 2 honorary consulates in Larnaca and Latsia.
  • Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
  • Cyprus is represented in Namibia through its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Namibia is represented in Cyprus through its High Commission in London, United Kingdom and an honorary consulate in Athens.
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 7, 2000.

    Both countries established diplomatic relations on November 22, 2000.

    • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations
    • List of bilateral agreements.
    • Cyprus is represented in Seychelles through its embassy in Muscat, Oman.
    • Seychelles is represented in Cyprus through its High Commission in London, United Kingdom.
    December 10, 1993
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 10, 1993.
  • Cyprus has a High Commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece.
    • Cyprus is represented in Togo by its embassy in Paris, France.
    1999
    • Cyprus is represented in Tunisia through its embassy in Paris.
    • Tunisia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome and an honorary consulate in Larnaca.
    • Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations and have signed an Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Tourism.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is represented in Zambia by its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa and an honorary consulate in Lusaka.
  • Zambia is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Rome, Italy and an honorary consulate in Limassol.
  • Both countries have a bilateral agreement on Air Service between both countries.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

    • Americas

    CountryFormal relations beganNotes
    21 July 2004
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 22, 2004.
    • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Argentina is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel and has an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus is accredited to Argentina from its embassy in Madrid, Spain and has an honorary consulate in Buenos Aires.
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 21, 2000.
  • Cyprus is represented in Belize through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico.
  • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • July 21, 1964
  • Diplomatic relations were established on July 21, 1964
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Brasilia.
  • Brazil has an embassy in Nicosia.
    • See Canada–Cyprus relationsCanadian bilateral political relations with Cyprus stemmed initially from Cypriot Commonwealth membership at independence in 1960. These relations quickly expanded in 1964 when Canada became a major troop contributor to UNFICYP. The participation lasted for the next 29 years, during which 50,000 Canadian soldiers served and 28 were killed. In large measure Canadian relations with Cyprus continue to revolve around support for the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, G8 and others to resolve the Island's divided status. Contacts with Cyprus on other issues also take place in international organizations such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • Canada is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
    • Cyprus has a High Commission in Ottawa and an honorary consulate in Vancouver.
    January 25, 1966
  • Colombia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy.
  • Cyprus is represented in Colombia through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico.
    • In 2010, both Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation agreement regarding tourism and the war on drugs.

    Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations. A Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Commonwealth of Dominica was signed on the 13 June 2001 in New York
    May 11, 2011
    • Both countries established diplomatic relation on May 11, 2011.
    • Cyprus is represented in Guyana by its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
    • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    21 February 1974See Cyprus–Mexico relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Mexico City.
  • Mexico is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece and maintains an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
    • 1971Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1971.
    1966
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966.
    • Cyprus is represented in Peru through its embassy in Brasilia, Brazil.
    2006
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 2, 2006.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • 1980Both countries established diplomatic relations on July 25, 1980.

    • Cyprus is represented in Trinidad and Tobago by its embassy in New York.
    • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    See Cyprus–United States relations and Cyprus first lady with U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
    • Cyprus has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and a consulate-general in New York City.
    • United States has an embassy in Nicosia.

    Asia

    CountryFormal relations beganNotes
    1991See Armenia–Cyprus relations
    • Armenia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens.
    • Cyprus is represented in Armenia through its embassy in Moscow and through an honorary consulate in Yerevan.
    • There are over 3,500 people of Armenian descent living in Cyprus.
    • Cyprus was the second country to recognise the Armenian Genocide on 24 April 1975.
    See Cyprus–China relations
  • China has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Beijing.
    • 2002Both countries established diplomatic relations on June 12, 2002.
    9 July 1993See Cyprus–Georgia relations
    • Cyprus is represented in Georgia through its embassy in Athens.
    • Georgia has an embassy in Nicosia.
    *
    See Cyprus–India relations
  • Cyprus has a High Commission in New Delhi and 2 honorary consulates.
  • India has a High Commission in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cypriots are recognised as part of Greece by the Indians.
    • 1960s
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Tehran.
  • Iran has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Diplomatic relations were established on December 4, 1987
  • Cyprus is represented in Indonesia through its High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
  • Indonesia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy.
    • 1960See Cyprus–Israel relationsIn the case of Israel, Cyprus has occasionally outwardly backed the Palestinians in the Arab–Israeli conflict, to the annoyance of some in the Israeli government. Cyprus, like over 100 other countries, officially recognizes Palestine as a de facto state.
    The island is also host to a number of Palestinian and Lebanese refugees.
    Relations between the two countries continued to suffer when Cypriot first lady Antroulla Vasiliou, the wife of the then President George Vasiliou, was declared persona non grata in Israel when a delegation she was leading attempted to meet with Yasser Arafat, who was under house arrest.
    Controversy and public outcry arose in the early 2000s, when members of the Cypriot branch of the Greek Orthodox Church were accused of selling church-owned land in the West Bank to Israeli developers, putting Cypriot commitment to the Palestinian cause at question.
    The expulsion of two alleged Israeli spies from the island in 1998 also caused tension between the two governments.
    The two countries now appear to be on improving terms, there has been coopertation on numerous areas but mostly on agriculture, military and tourism. The Cypriot government has also been reported to be making deals with both Israel and Egypt in exploring for oil off the southern Cyprus coast.
    Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Cyprus at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart when Netanyahu was in Washington for the direct talks with the Palestinian leader. Lieberman and Cypriot foreign minister Kyprianou have met several times this year in an effort to strengthen relations between their countries.
    • Cyprus has an embassy in Tel Aviv.
    • Israel has an embassy in Nicosia.
    • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    1962-06
  • Cypriot president Makarios made a state visit to Japan in 1970. Subsequently, Cypriot president Spyros Kyprianou visited in 1984 and president George Vasiliou visited in 1989 and 1990.
  • The balance of trade between Cyprus and Japan is heavily weighed in favor of Japan, with Japan exporting automobiles and electrical products and importing clothing and food products.
  • Cyprus is represented in Japan through its non-resident ambassador based in Beijing, China, with an honorary consulate in Tokyo.
  • Japan is represented in Cyprus through its non-resident ambassador based in Athens, Greece, with as an honorary consulate in Limassol.
    • 1960
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Amman.
  • Jordan has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • 1960
  • Cyprus an honorary consulate in Nur-Sultan and is represented through its embassy in Moscow.
  • Kazakhstan has an honorary consultate in Nicosia and Limassol.
  • Both countries are members of the United Nations.
    • 1992
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 20, 1992.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
    • 1960
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • 1997
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1997.
  • Cyprus is represented in the Maldives by its High Commission in New Delhi, India.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • December 19, 1973
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 19, 1973.
  • Cyprus is represented in Mongolia through its embassy in Beijing, China.
  • Mongolia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria
    • 1991
  • The establishment of diplomatic relations between the North Korea and the Republic of Cyprus started in 1991.
    • 1978
  • Oman has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus is represented in Oman through its embassy in Cairo and through an honorary consulate in Muscat.
    • 1988
  • Cyprus has a representative office in Ramallah.
  • Palestine has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • 1960See Cyprus–Qatar relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Doha.
  • Qatar has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.
  • Both countries are members of the United Nations.
    • 1960See Cyprus–Saudi Arabia relations
  • Cyprus is represented through its honorary consulate in Jeddah.
  • Saudi Arabia is represented through its embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the United Nations.
    • 28 December 1995
  • The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Cyprus began on 28 December 1995.
  • The Republic of Cyprus is accredited to the Republic of Korea from its non-resident ambassador based in Canberra.
  • The Republic of Korea is accredited to Cyprus from its non-resident ambassador based in Athens and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus is represented in Sri Lanka by its High Commission in New Delhi, India and an honorary consulate in Colombo.
  • Sri Lanka is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Rome, Italy and an honorary consulate in Larnaca.
  • Both countries have agreed on bilateral treaties in various fields.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is accredited to Syria from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.
  • Syria has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
  • Both countries have a bilateral agreements on Cooperation in the Fields of Public Health and Medical Science.
  • Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
  • Cyprus is represented in Thailand through its High Commission in New Delhi, India.
  • Thailand is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy.
    • Turkey does not recognize the government of the Republic of Cyprus, stating that the Republic—as established by the Constitution of 1960—ceased to exist when the intercommunal violence that commenced in December 1963 ended Turkish Cypriot participation in the Cypriot government. The attempted coup in July 1974—engineered by Greek Military Junta—was responded to by Turkey by a full military invasion, which resulted in the northern third of the island being occupied by Turkish military forces. This portion of Cyprus unilaterally declared independence in November 1983 as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which only Turkey recognizes. Turkey refers to the Republic of Cyprus government as "The Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus."
    Cyprus takes the view that the TRNC government is a puppet administration, and thus prefers to negotiate with Turkey over the resolution of the Cyprus Problem. Turkey insists that the TRNC government is the institution that the RoC government must refer to in negotiations.
    Cyprus' accession to the European Union has had a negative impact on Turkey in regards to its own accession negotiations. The refusal of Turkey to allow Cypriot-flagged ships to access Turkish ports has resulted in a partial suspension of its accession negotiations.
    See Cyprus–United Arab Emirates relations
    • Cyprus has an embassy in Abu Dhabi
    • United Arab Emirates still didn't open and embassy in Nicosia and is expected to do so in 2015.
    Cyprus is represented in Vietnam through its embassy in New Delhi, India. Vietnam is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Tripoli, Libya.

    Europe

    Cyprus' 1990 application for full EU membership caused a storm in the Turkish Cypriot community, which argued that the move required their consent. Following the December 1997 EU Summit decisions on EU enlargement, accession negotiations began 31 March 1998. Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. To fulfil its commitment as a member of the European Union, Cyprus withdrew from the Non-Aligned Movement on accession, retaining observer status.
    CountryFormal relations beganNotes
    1991
    • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 1991.
    • Albania is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Athens, Greece and an honorary consulate in Larnaca.
    • Cyprus is represented in Albania by its embassy in Athens, Greece and an honorary consulate in Tirane.
    • Both countries have a number of bilateral agreements.
    1960See Bulgaria–Cyprus relations
  • Bulgaria has an embassy in Nicosia, and honorary consulate in Limassol.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Sofia.
  • Cyprus joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004, while Bulgaria joined on 1 January 2007.
    • 4 February 1993
  • Croatia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus is represented in Croatia through its embassy in Vienna and an honorary consulate in Zagreb.
  • Cyprus joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004, while Croatia joined on 1 July 2013.
    • 1960sSee Cyprus–Czech Republic relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Prague.
  • The Czech Republic has an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • See Cyprus–Denmark relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Copenhagen and an honorary consulate in Århus.
  • Denmark has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • 22 January 1992
  • Cyprus recognized the Republic of Estonia on 12 September 1991.
  • Cyprus is represented in Estonia through its embassy in Helsinki.
  • Estonia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens and through 2 honorary consulates in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • By the late 2005, in Nicosia the first session of the Estonia-Cyprus Intergovernmental Commission established under the Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Industrial Co-operation took place.
    • 2 September 1961See Cyprus–Finland relations
  • Finland recognized Cyprus on 16 August 1960.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Helsinki and an honorary consulate in Vantaa.
  • Finland has an embassy and 2 honorary consulates in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • The two countries share membership of the European Union.
  • Cyprus is an associate member of the Francophonie organization since 2006. About 12% of Cyprus population speaks and understands French.
  • France is a supporter of Cyprus in the different that oppose the European Union against Turkey's refusal to recognize and admit Cypriot ships and planes.
  • France contributes significantly in the military equipment of Cypriot National Guard.
  • In 2019 it was decided the establishment of a French military marine base on the island.
    • 1960See Cyprus–Germany relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Berlin and a consulate-general in Hamburg.
  • Germany has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union.
  • In 2004, an agreement on mutual recognition of university degrees was signed, designed to facilitate Cypriot and German students' admission to German and Cypriot universities.
  • There is a close and trustful cooperation at a government level. Minister of State Hoyer visited Cyprus on 11 and 12 February 2010. Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with his Cypriot counterpart Marcos Kyprianou in Berlin on 2 March
  • See Cyprus–Greece relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Athens and a consulate-general in Thessaloniki.
  • Greece has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union.
  • The Greek Cypriot majority in Cyprus and the ethnic Greek population of Greece share a common ethnicity, heritage, language, and religion, leading to an exceptionally close relationship between the two countries.
    • 1960
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Budapest.
  • Hungary has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • Iceland
  • Cyprus is represented in Iceland by its embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Iceland is represented in Cyprus by its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
    • IrelandSee Cyprus–Ireland relations
  • Ireland has an embassy in Nicosia.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Dublin.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • Since 1964, over 9,000 members of the Irish Defence Forces have served in Cyprus without suffering any casualties.
  • Both Cyprus and Ireland were part of the British Empire.
    • 1960
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Rome and 5 honorary consulates.
  • Italy has an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean.
  • Cyprus is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Warsaw.
  • Lithuania is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens and through an honorary consulates in Nicosia and Larnaca.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • See Cyprus–Malta relations
  • Cyprus is represented to Malta through its accredited embassy in Rome.
  • Malta is represented to Cyprus through its accredited embassy in Athens.
  • The two countries are members of the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • 12 February 1992
    • 24 February 2011
    • 13 March 2007See Cyprus–Montenegro relations
  • Cyprus recognized the Republic of Montenegro on 16 June 2006.
  • Cyprus is represented in Montenegro through its embassy in Belgrade.
    • 1960See Cyprus–Netherlands relations
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1960, after Cyprus's independence.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in The Hague.
  • The Netherlands have an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates in Limassol.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • 29 August 2019Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 29, 2019.
    See Cyprus–Norway relationsCyprus–Norway relations are foreign relations between Cyprus and Norway. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963. The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields".
    Neither country has resident ambassadors. Cyprus is represented in Norway through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, and 2 honorary consulates, one in Oslo and the second in Kristiansand. Norway is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece, and an honorary consulate in Nicosia. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963.
    On 21 August 1951, there was a Consular Convention and an Exchange of Letters relating to establishing diplomatic relations. On 2 May 1951, there was a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. On 17 May 1962, there was an Exchange of Letters constituting an Agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirement in Nicosia. On 5 March 1963, there was an Agreement on Commercial Scheduled Air Transport signed in London.
    The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus. Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway.
    In 1996 tax rules in Norway were changed to keep shipping companies competitive and under the Norwegian flag. By 2008 changes to the tonnage tax regime to harmonize them with the European Union forced some companies to register in Cyprus. Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus.
    Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime.
    1960sSee Cyprus–Poland relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Warsaw and 2 honorary consulates.
  • Poland has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate general in Limassol.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Lisbon and an honorary consulate in Porto.
  • Portugal has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Larnaca.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • 16 August 1960
  • Romania has an embassy in Nicosia since November 1960.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Bucharest.
  • Cyprus joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004, while Romania joined on 1 January 2007.
    • See Cyprus–Russia relations and Cyprus meet at least once every year.
    • The USSR established diplomatic relations with the newly independent Republic of Cyprus on 18 August 1960.
    • Cooperation between both countries has increased since the 1990s and the fall of the USSR.
    • Cyprus has an embassy in Moscow and consulates-general in Krasnodar, Saint Petersburg, Samara and in Yekaterinburg.
    • Russia has an embassy in Nicosia.
    See Cyprus–Serbia relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia
  • The two countries share common cultural and religious ascpects as both have major Orthodox Christian populations.
  • Cyprus is represented in Slovakia through its embassy in Vienna.
  • Slovakia has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Ljubljana.
  • Slovenia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece, and through an honorary consulate in Limassol.
  • Both countries are members of the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • 25 December 1967See Cyprus–Spain relations
  • Cyprus has an embassy in Madrid and 2 honorary consulates.
  • Spain has an embassy Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean.
    • See Cyprus–Sweden relations
  • Sweden was one of the first countries that sent UN peacekeepers to Cyprus in 1964.
  • Since 1994, Cyprus has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
  • Both countries are full members of the European Union.
    • See Turkey in Asia Above
  • The Cypriot embassy in Kiev and an honorary consulate in Mariupol.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.
    • See Cyprus–United Kingdom relations
  • The two countries share membership of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, after 83 years of British control.
    • The continuing British sovereignty of the Dhekelia and Akrotiri areas, has continued to divide Cypriots. The Sovereign Base Areas are not under the jurisdiction of the Cypriot government. Several Cypriot villages remain enclaved in the areas, and there have been numerous arrests of anti-British demonstrators over the past few years. These activists assert that the UK should not continue to hold territory in another European state.

    Oceania

    CountryFormal relations beganNotes

    • Australia has a High Commission in Nicosia.
    • Cyprus has a High Commission in Canberra.
  • Cyprus is represented in Fiji by its High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • 2000Both countries established diplomatic relations on March 23, 2000.

    • Since 1964, New Zealand has contributed several times to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
    • Cyprus is represented in New Zealand through its High Commission in Canberra and through an honorary consulate in Christchurch.
    • New Zealand is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome and through an honorary consulate in Nicosia.
    • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is represented in Papua New Guinea through its High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
  • Both countries a full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • March 24, 2000Both countries established diplomatic relations on March 24, 2000.
    • Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations
    May 5, 2010
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on May 5, 2010.
  • Cyprus is represented in the Solomon Islands via parallel accreditation of its High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
    • June 22, 2009*
    • Both Cyprus and Tonga are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Cyprus is represented in Vanuatu by its High Commission in Canberra, Australia.
  • Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

    • Overview

    The Republic of Cyprus maintains diplomatic relations with 179 states and is United Nations, Union for the Mediterranean and European Union full member. It does not maintain diplomatic relations with:
    The Republic of Cyprus is not recognised by Turkey.

    International disputes

    The 1974 invasion of the Turkish army divided the island nation into two. The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus currently has effective control in the south of the island while its area not under its effective control makes up 37% of the island. Turkey utilising the territory occupied during the invasion recognizes a declared separatist UDI of Turkish Cypriots in 1983, contrary to multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The two territories of the Republic are separated by a United Nations Buffer Zone ; there are two UK sovereign base areas mostly within the Greek Cypriot portion of the island.

    Illicit drugs

    Cyprus is a minor transit point for cannabis and cocaine via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon; some hashish transits as well. The island has also been criticised for supposedly lax arms control legislation.

    Cyprus and the Commonwealth of Nations

    Although Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960, Cyprus has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1961.