The Cyprus Forum London returned for a second year in May, hosted at the High Commission of Cyprus in the United Kingdom and co-organised by Oxygen for Democracy in collaboration with the High Commission, according to the official statement.

Opening the event, Nicolas Kyriakides, executive president of the Cyprus Forum, welcomed participants and set the tone for what he described as a day of “in-depth and substantive dialogue.”

Stressing the need for deeper political ties and regional cooperation, he called on attendees to turn ideas into action through collaboration and a shared vision.

“In an uncertain world, dialogue is essential, and this Forum aims to promote it,” he said.

He also pointed to Cyprus’ strategic role as a bridge between the Eastern Mediterranean, the European Union and the United Kingdom, while praising the enduring contribution of the Cypriot diaspora.

According to the statement, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki outlined the government’s efforts to shift the country’s economic model from services to one built on transparency, knowledge and innovation.

She described Cyprus as a “pillar of stability and a haven for talent,” and added that “we do not just ask for trust, we earn it.”

Piki referred to the use of sanctions mechanisms and the deregistration of numerous shell companies, underlining the country’s commitment to good governance.

She also emphasised the strategic importance of Cyprus’ relationship with the United Kingdom.

This view was echoed by Victoria Billing, Director for Europe at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who noted the progress made since the 2022 Strategic Partnership Memorandum.

She said regular reviews of the agreement had helped strengthen cooperation and expressed optimism about the UK’s evolving ties with Cyprus and the wider region.

The conference included three core discussions. Regional Approaches from Europe to Asia in a Fractured Global Order, Perspectives for the Future of Cyprus through the Eyes of the Diaspora, and Redefining EU-UK Relations in a Changing World.

According to the organisers, the sessions featured high-level contributions from Kyriakos Kouros, High Commissioner of Cyprus to the UK, as well as Sherif Kamel, Ambassador of Egypt, and Uran Ferizi, Ambassador of Albania to the UK and Ireland.

Other speakers included Violette Khairallah, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, and Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, along with members of the diaspora, parliamentarians and prominent academics.

It was further noted that the forum aimed to strengthen Cyprus’ presence on the international stage by encouraging open dialogue and fostering meaningful partnerships, particularly with the diaspora and regional stakeholders.