“Despite the geographic distance between us, our maritime industries and traditions remind us of the many connections between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. Cyprus and Australia are both island nations and key players in regional maritime security and trade,” suggests the High Commissioner of Australia to Cyprus, Emily Pugin.
Speaking to GOLD magazine, the recently appointed Commissioner discusses people-to-people connections and how the new trade deal with the EU can open doors for deepening business relations between the two nations.
For over 50 years, Australia and Cyprus have maintained strong diplomatic relations and, with the second largest Cypriot diaspora living in Australia, shares a strong people-to-people relationship. How would you describe the current state of relations and where is there room to grow?
Our relationship is strong politically, diplomatically and socially. Australia and Cyprus share similar values, including respect for democracy and the rule of law. There is a genuine warmth and friendship between our nations. The diaspora gives our relationship unique depth and resilience, owing to people-to-people links. Our ties are thus lived and breathed every day through family, culture, academia and business. Like any relationship, there’s always room to grow and I am confident that, while I am Australia’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, we will strengthen our economic relationship and the existing deep bonds between our nations and people.
How can diaspora ties be further leveraged to strengthen economic and business connections?
We have an active business-minded diaspora, which plays an important role in strengthening trade and investment between our nations. Diaspora operates in ways that governments can’t; through people-to-people ties, they create trust, familiarity and commercial confidence. The diaspora understands both Australian and Cypriot markets, cultures and ways of doing business. It makes our diaspora natural bridge-builders. Opportunities are ripe to leverage this, including through the milestone Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
How will this agreement impact not only the EU but Cyprus in particular?
The Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a milestone development for EU-Australia and Cyprus-Australia bilateral relations, which opens many doors for Australian and European businesses. It provides a sound framework for enhanced prosperity, security and partnership. With cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty in global markets, the conclusion of negotiations is a major success. According to the European Commission, the FTA will add around €4 billion to Europe’s GDP by 2030. The FTA is designed to support small and medium-sized businesses by reducing trade barriers and red tape. It provides an incredible springboard for our relationship with Cyprus.
Are many Australian companies currently active in Cyprus? What areas might be attractive to investors?
The footprint of Australian businesses in Cyprus is modest. However, I see profound potential for increased trade and investment. Australia has niche markets in Cyprus, including in cooling equipment, pleasure boating products, mining, wine, beauty products and pharmaceuticals. Sectors with strong links for Australia include fintech, financial services, renewable energy, shipping services, education, specialist and legal services. In financial services, Australian companies such as 26 Degrees Global Markets and FP Markets are already in Cyprus. There are also ASX-linked interests in Cyprus’ resource sector. Cyprus’ unique geographic position, its sophisticated professional-services sector, strong maritime capability and access to European and Eastern Mediterranean markets provide further opportunities for Australian companies.
Both countries have strong maritime traditions and shipping. Can cooperation in shipping and maritime services be enhanced?
Despite the geographic distance between us, our maritime industries and traditions remind us of the many connections between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. Cyprus and Australia are both island nations and key players in regional maritime security and trade. Cyprus has a major international shipping ecosystem, while Australia is deeply connected to global maritime trade through our export economy. I see potential for greater cooperation, including partnerships between Australian and Cypriot-based maritime industries, in particular logistics, training and the green transition.
Australia is a global education leader. How can academic collaboration between Australian and Cypriot institutions be strengthened?
Strong academic and institutional links already underpin our relationship. Australians have worked in Cyprus since the 1930s and this paved the way for scientific and academic collaboration between Australian universities and their Cypriot counterparts. There are well-established connections between Cyprus and Australia’s science agency, CSIRO. Over the decades, we have collaborated and exchanged knowledge across archaeology, road safety, solar-thermal energy, water treatment, fire-risk management, disaster recovery and agriculture. Australia has commenced negotiations to associate with Horizon Europe from 2027. This could enable a larger platform for Australian and Cypriot institutions to work together through European research frameworks.
With the Cyprus problem still unresolved for more than 50 years, what is Australia’s view of finding a solution and bridging the divide between the island’s communities?
Australia’s relationship with Cyprus is grounded in support for multilateralism, sovereignty, rights and the international rules-based order. Australia supports efforts to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the United Nations and in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Recent efforts by the United Nations are encouraging and have created some renewed momentum. We hope to see that momentum continue with a view to achieving a resolution that is peaceful, negotiated and beneficial to all Cypriots.
You have only recently arrived in Cyprus. What can you tell us about your first impressions of the island and its people?
My first impressions are that Cyprus has a remarkable ability to feel both deeply historical and modern at the same time.
I can see an island that is shaped by culture, resilience and memory but is also outward-looking and entrepreneurial. Regarding the Cypriot people, my first impressions have been of warmth, generosity and kindness. I have already been adopted by an overly friendly cat who is now a valued member of my family!
This interview first appeared in the April edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
