How has the relationship between Cyprus and Japan evolved over the years, and what are the key areas where you see the most potential for enhanced cooperation and partnership moving forward?
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962, relations between Cyprus and Japan have been based on a like-minded approach and mutual understanding. We see eye-to-eye on democracy, respect of rule of law, protection of a free, fair and rules-based international order and multilateralism. We have a strong, shared commitment in upholding the UN Charter and International Law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Our bilateral relations have been consolidated in recent years with the respective openings of the Embassy of Japan in Nicosia (2018) and of the Embassy of Cyprus in Tokyo (2019), while a Commercial Office at the Cypriot Embassy has been established.
On a political level, a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Cypriot and Japanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs was signed in 2018, and two rounds of political consultation took place – in October 2022 in Tokyo and in June 2024 in Nicosia.
Important synergies have been created in the field of crisis management, given Cyprus’ active role in the Eastern Mediterranean, serving as a safe harbour for the evacuation of civilians, and for the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The 1st Cyprus-Japan Business Forum, successfully held in Tokyo in April 2024, attests to the strengthening economic and business cooperation between our two maritime nations. We are committed to further deepening our relations in technology, digital transformation, energy efficiency, renewables, and shipping. We are pleased to see numerous Japanese companies and start-ups setting-up their Middle East regional offices in Cyprus, also serving as a gateway to the EU.
Over the years, a number of important agreements, such as the Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education and Research (2017), and the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Area of Science, Technology and Innovation (2024), have been concluded, paving the way for enhanced cooperation.
Cultural relations between Cyprus and Japan are equally important, highlighted by the return in September 2021 from Japan of the Porticoes of the Iconostasis of the church of Agios Anastasios in the occupied Peristerona village. The establishment of a cherry blossoms ‘Sakura’ park in the village of Kampos, has its own unique significance, promoting intercultural understanding and friendship.
As an EU Member State, Cyprus strongly supports the enhancement of the EU-Japan strategic partnership. The security of Europe and that of the Indo-Pacific are closely interlinked, and we are committed to working together towards promoting peace, security, the rule of law and democratic values.
In this respect, I would like to express our deep appreciation for Japan’s principled stance on the Cyprus Question, and its support to our efforts to achieve a viable and lasting solution, in accordance with the principles of international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Cyprus and Japan share longstanding ties of friendship, based on shared values. Undoubtedly, Japan is a valuable partner to Cyprus with great potential for deeper cooperation, for the mutual benefit of our countries and our peoples.
