Nicosia, 30 September 2025 — Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, met with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, during an official visit to Nicosia on Tuesday. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral ties, regional developments, and preparations for both countries’ upcoming Presidencies of the Council of the European Union.
Minister Byrne conveyed the Irish people’s best wishes to President Christodoulides ahead of Cyprus’ Independence Day on 1 October, highlighting the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.
“As small EU member states, Ireland and Cyprus are likeminded partners on a range of EU issues, and we enjoy close collaboration and a strong bilateral relationship,” Byrne said following the meeting. He noted that Ireland will assume the EU Presidency directly after Cyprus, making strategic coordination between the two countries particularly important.
The Minister also acknowledged Ireland’s longstanding contribution to peacekeeping on the island, referencing the role of the Irish Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) since its establishment in 1964. “Ireland takes pride in the almost continuous presence and service of Irish personnel as part of the UN Force in Cyprus,” he added.
The meeting formed part of a wider three-day programme of engagements in Cyprus, underscoring Ireland’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with EU partners and contributing to regional stability.
Source: Government of Cyprus – Presidency.
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the Minister for EU Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Mr Thomas Byrne Picture from gov.cy
