UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made his first-ever visit to Cyprus on Sunday, meeting President Nikos Christodoulides at the presidential palace in Nicosia for official talks.

The meeting was held at the invitation of President Christodoulides and is seen as a formal confirmation of the upgraded strategic relationship between the two countries.

The day began with a welcome ceremony at Larnaca airport, followed by a formal reception at the presidential palace.

Sheikh Mohammed was greeted by President Christodoulides with military honours. The national anthems of Cyprus and the UAE were played by bands from the National Guard and the Cyprus police.

The UAE president then laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III.

Senior officials from both countries attended the reception. On the Cypriot side, these included Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Reaeach Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianos, and national security adviser Tassos Tzionis.

Following the ceremony, the two presidents held a private meeting, which was followed by expanded talks between the delegations.

According to a statement from the government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in key areas: investment, energy, technology, trade, education, culture, tourism, shipping, security, and critical infrastructure.

Both leaders agreed that the visit marked a transition from strategic alignment to practical implementation.

They emphasised the importance of measurable objectives and actionable plans to strengthen the relationship.

Particular attention was given to investment, with the UAE expressing interest in direct and substantial initiatives in Cyprus, especially in sectors of high value such as energy, infrastructure, technology, tourism, and shipping.

To facilitate practical cooperation, the two countries will establish a permanent business framework through a joint UAE-Cyprus business council, linking the Cyprus chamber of commerce and industry, Invest Cyprus, and the UAE chamber of commerce federation.

The council will serve as a stable platform for business collaboration, project development, and creation of a coherent investment pipeline.

The leaders also agreed to work on a joint action plan in areas of converging interests, including trade, investment, energy, political dialogue, tourism, culture, education, shipping, security, and critical infrastructure.

The upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, starting on January 1, 2026, was highlighted as an opportunity to enhance EU-Gulf relations, particularly with the UAE.

The visit also addressed the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the UAE and the EU, expected to open further opportunities for trade, investment, and cooperation.

Both presidents exchanged views on regional and international issues, with a focus on developments in the Middle East and the promotion of peace and stability.

Humanitarian support for Gaza was emphasised, with commitments to continue aid through all available channels.

President Christodoulides described the visit as a new chapter in Cyprus-UAE relations. He said it strengthens the strategic partnership, creates operational structures, and sets measurable goals.

“From today, a new chapter opens, defined by trust, shared interests, and our joint commitment to a more connected and prosperous region,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed, speaking through an interpreter, noted that since the establishment of the Cyprus-UAE strategic cooperation in 2022, ties have strengthened in energy, industry, trade, investment, tourism, and education.

He added that a UAE-EU free trade agreement would create further opportunities with Cyprus and welcomed the upcoming Cypriot EU presidency as a means to boost UAE-EU relations. He also highlighted the humanitarian role of both countries regarding civilians in Gaza.

The visit concluded with an official luncheon hosted by President Christodoulides in honour of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.