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 Cyprus |  Syria |
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Cyprus–Syria relations have roots that extend back centuries, with historical trade routes connecting the island of Cyprus to theLevant mainland. Formal diplomatic relations betweenCyprus andSyria were established in 1962.
Cyprus and Syria share historical ties due to their geographical proximity in theEastern Mediterranean region. In recent years, theconflict in Syria has strained relations to some extent.
The relations between Cyprus and Syria have roots that extend back centuries, with historical trade routes connecting the island of Cyprus to theLevant mainland. Both nations have experienced periods of external influence, such as theOttoman Empire's rule over both territories, which fostered shared cultural and economic exchanges.[1]
Formal diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Syria were established on 1 February 1962 when Cyprus accepted Thabit al-Aris, as Syrian Ambassador to Cyprus.[2]
Following the closure of its embassy inDamascus, Cyprus has delegated its diplomatic and consular responsibilities concerning Syria to its embassy inBeirut, which now oversees these affairs.[3] While Syria has an embassy inNicosia.[4]
The bilateral relationship has been shaped by various political and regional developments. Cyprus has been a member of theEuropean Union since 2004, and this alignment has influenced its interactions with Syria, particularly in relation toEU-Syria relations. Despite this, Cyprus has continued to engage with Syria on various diplomatic fronts, including efforts to support peace in theMiddle East.[5]
In recent years, the conflict in Syria has strained relations to some extent. However, Cyprus has participated in international discussions related to theSyrian Civil War, advocating for peaceful resolutions and providing humanitarian aid through European andUN-led initiatives.[6]
In 1997 Cypriot Foreign MinisterIoannis Kasoulides went for a three-day official visit to Syria, at the invitation of his Syrian counterpartFarouk al-Sharaa.[7]In 2010, Cypriot Foreign MinisterMarkos Kyprianou visited Damascus, emphasizing continued cooperation in economic and cultural matters.[8] In 2010, Syrian PresidentBashar al-Assad held talks with Cypriot PresidentDemetris Christofias at thePresidential Palace in Nicosia.[9]
Economic interactions between Cyprus and Syria have included trade in goods such as agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods. The ports ofLimassol andLarnaca in Cyprus and the ports ofLatakia andTartus in Syria have facilitated maritime trade for many years in the past during times of direct relations.[citation needed]
However, the economic impact of theSyrian Civil War has significantly reduced bilateral trade since 2011.[10] Prior to the conflict, Syria was an importanttrading partner for Cyprus, particularly in the areas of tourism and transportation.[citation needed]
The ongoingSyrian Civil War has had a considerable impact on Cyprus–Syria relations.[11] Cyprus has played a role in international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance toSyrian refugees and has served as a transit point for aid to Syria due to its geographic proximity.[12][13]
Moreover, Cyprus has cooperated with theEuropean Union and theUnited Nations in addressing the refugee crisis, providing shelter and assistance to Syrian nationals fleeing the conflict.[14] Cyprus has also participated in diplomatic discussions concerning the future of Syria and the stabilization of the region.
In recent years, Cyprus has adopted measures aimed at reducing the flow of refugees into the country,[15][16] some of which have been criticized as stringent.[17] As part of this approach, Cyprus has also sought to engage with theAssad regime,[18] a policy that contrasts with the stance of theEuropean Union, which has largely opposed normalization with the Syrian government.[19]
As a response to thefall of the Assad regime, Cypriot PresidentNikos Christodoulides called for a peaceful democratic transition in Syria. He added that Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty must be upheld, and a peaceful, inclusive, and Syrian-led political transition is demanded according toUN Security Council Resolution 2254.[20] On 20 February 2025, Syrian PresidentAhmed al-Sharaa met with Cypriot Minister of Foreign AffairsConstantinos Kombos in Damascus.[21]
The Cyprus government has agreed to appoint Thabit al-Aris as the Syrian Ambassador to Cyprus
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