Austria is a reliable and valuable partner within the European Union, with which Cyprus shares common approaches, President Nikos Christodoulides said, in statements with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, in Nicosia.
Stocker, who is paying Nicosia an official visit, said that Cyprus was a very important partner in the region and noted that the two countries were linked by many elements from the past, that they have a multifaceted interconnection and expressed the desire for these bilateral relations to continue.
The two leaders said they intent to further develop relations between the two countries in the fields of economy, migration, tourism, education, energy and security.
Austria's Chancellor referred to “innovative initiatives” of the Republic of Cyprus in relation to the return of refugees and asylum seekers to their countries of origin and expressed a desire to learn more about this know-how.
In his statements, President Christodoulides said that for Cyprus, Austria “is much more than a friendly country”. He said Cyprus was “grateful” for Austria’s contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, noting that 16 Austrian peacekeepers lost their lives while serving in Cyprus.
“At the same time, we do not forget that in 1974, during the Turkish invasion, Austria, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, stood by Cyprus, supporting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of our homeland,” he added.
Today, he said, “Austria is a valuable and reliable partner within the EU, with whom we share common beliefs and approaches in relation to the issues that concern the EU and the future of Europe.”
“Regarding bilateral relations, which are already at a very good level, we discussed ways to further strengthen them, particularly in areas such as security, tourism and culture, economy, investment and education,” he added.
He said that, in relation to security, “and taking into account that our countries are not NATO members Cyprus and Austria have an increased interest in cooperating towards further developing our defence capabilities, but also those of the EU, and through this reasoning we discussed specific ways of cooperation.”
Referring to tourism, President Christodoulides said that particularly in recent years there has been “significant growth” and very good connectivity between the two countries and that they agreed on the need to strengthen this momentum.
President Christodoulides, noting that there are very good universities in Austria, that offer study programmes in English, said they would look into the possibility of cooperation, for Cypriot students who wish to study abroad to include Austria in their options.
In view of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, he said, “we exchanged views on the priorities of our Presidency, as well as on issues of particular interest to both countries and the Union, such as migration, enlargement, competitiveness and energy issues, all issues on which our positions converge to a large extent.”
The President also said that they discussed the issue of Cyprus’ full accession to the Schengen area and thanked Austria for its support on this issue.
He noted that they also had an “extensive exchange of views” on important regional issues, such as the situation in the wider Middle East. “I informed the Chancellor about the need to strengthen the EU’s relations with the states of the region, which will be a priority during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, including a more active EU engagement,” he said. “I am pleased to see that Austria fully understands the geostrategic importance of the region and the need to work more closely with the states of the region,” he added.
Regarding Ukraine, he said, “we welcome the US mediation effort”, expressing hope that it will result in an end to the war, “always on the basis of international law, the UN Charter and respect for the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine and of course all states.”
He noted that he expressed to Stocker “our deep appreciation for Austria’s long-standing support in our efforts to end the Turkish occupation and reunify Cyprus, always in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, European and international law, as well as the values and principles of the EU.” Referring to the appointment of a special envoy by the EU, he said that Johannes Hahn is Austrian “and we are pleased with the desire he expresses through concrete actions to play a decisive role in our effort to restart talks and achieve a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.”
Speaking through an interpreter, Stocker referred to Cyprus' Presidency of the EU, and said that he wanted to travel to the island before Cyprus’ term to discuss with President Christodoulides the issues to which the President of the Republic has already referred.
He noted that “today’s discussion has shown me once again that we are on the same wavelength on many issues, on serious issues for the future of the EU, and that we will be able to continue these good bilateral relations.”
He expressed his belief that Cyprus, during its EU Presidency “will be very decisive and will achieve both results and successes” and assured of Austria’s support.
Stocker said that the two countries were connected by many common elements from the past, have a multifaceted interconnection and willingness to further these close bilateral relations.
He thanked President Christodoulides for the assistance that Cyprus has provided to Austria “in difficult times.” “Cyprus is a very important partner in this region and has shown how consistent it is, especially in critical situations. Thank you very much”, he said.
He also mentioned that Austria was a supporter of Cyprus also as regards the reunification of the island. “We have been present here since 1964, in terms of peacekeepers and peacekeeping forces as a sign of solidarity”, he added.
The Austrian Chancellor said that the two countries have “a very good cooperation” on the development and growth of tourism. Noting that Cyprus is for many Austrians “a very attractive destination for their holidays”, he said “we would like to deepen this field” with Cyprus for the exchange of views, know-how regarding the economic field of tourism.
“We are at the disposal of Cyprus for collaborations”, he added, noting that there are many programmes that are being implemented or have already been implemented in the past. He expressed the view that in the context of a business forum “we can perhaps create a new platform to deepen and broaden these economic relations”.
The Austrian Chancellor also noted that they exchanged views on the returns of refugees and asylum seekers, adding that Cyprus implements “innovative initiatives and very good solutions” and would like for Austria to learn from this know-how.
“Both of our countries have had to deal with migration problems in the past and I am glad that Cyprus has interesting models to present to us, regarding returns, especially to Syria”, he said.
He further highlighted Austria’s support for Cyprus regarding its accession to the Schengen zone. “We would like to support you wherever we can, with expertise and even with the exchange of specialised personnel”, he said, noting that, in view of the geopolitical position, it was a common interest to make Europe safe, but also beyond its borders.
Stocker also noted that the cooperation between Cyprus and Austria was good, not only at a bilateral level, but also within the framework of the European Union.
“We walk hand in hand with Cyprus, and I am particularly pleased that it will take over the Presidency of the European Council next year, although it will have to face great challenges and resolve serious issues and, of course, these issues dominate because EU citizens are particularly interested in results in areas such as increasing competitiveness,” he added. He noted that, for him, it was of “great importance and significance” for future generations to have policies that are innovative, reduce bureaucracy, and promote business priorities.
“Migration is a European problem and needs European solutions”
Responding to a question on migration, President Christodoulides said that the issue of migration is directly intertwined with the issue of security. “Cyprus and Austria have the same views, the same approach,” he said, noting that the EU had been late in taking specific decisions. An important step in this direction is the Pact on Migration, which will begin to be implemented during the Cypriot Presidency in the first half of 2026, he said.
“Migration is a European problem and needs European solutions,” he added, noting that, if there is no cooperation at the level of all member states, and, if member states have different approaches, “we will not be able to address this problem as the EU.”
He noted that illegal immigration “creates problems in the security sector, but it also negatively affects legal immigration.” “We are not against legal immigration, but if we do not address the problems of illegal immigration, then there are many other negative consequences,” he added. President Christodoulides said that the Republic of Cyprus has, in recent times, followed some specific programmes, especially in relation to Syrian nationals, “voluntary programmes, if they themselves wish to, and I am glad that there is response to these programmes and it is something that I also shared with the Chancellor, ideas, opinions, approaches that bring results in dealing with immigration.”
Austria’s Chancellor, replying to another question about immigration, and what EU member states can do, said that he was not so pessimistic that a solution cannot be found at European level. He noted that the competent EU Commissioner is Austrian and has experience on this issue “which we faced in 2025 in Austria and I think that return is such an initiative, to identify safe third countries, so that people who do not have permission to stay in our countries can return”.
He added that “there are also procedures at the external borders that we consider a good step”. Stocker said this was necessary to ease the pressure on asylum services and that there must be initiatives on the causes of the refugee crisis. “The approaches within the EU are correct, perhaps we can act faster”, Stocker said, noting that the EU as a whole was now dealing more intensively with this issue while and its member states had more convergent views.
Christodoulides had welcomed Stocker to Cyprus during a dinner in the Chancellor's honour at the Presidential Palace on the evening of 21 August.
The two leaders on 22 August had a private meeting, followed by expanded talks between the Cypriot and Austrian delegations and then made statements to the media.
President Christodoulides and Chancellor Stocker went on to Nicosia Town Hall, from where they walked along the ceasefire line with the Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos.
The Chancellor also visited the House of Representatives for a meeting with House President Annita Demetriou.
Later on, the President is due to host a working lunch for the Chancellor and members of his delegation, after which the delegation will depart from Cyprus.
Also read:Cyprus' President and Austria's Chancellor note good relations between the two countries
Also read: Austrian Chancellor begins official visit to Cyprus
