Cyprus and the Philippines signed three Memoranda of Understanding during the first official visit of a Cypriot Foreign Minister to the country, with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and the strong ties developed between the two countries.
The MoUs concern the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates, cooperation in sports, and the facilitation of the evacuation of Filipino nationals and their family members from areas of crisis, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, through the Republic of Cyprus.
The first MoU concerns the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), facilitating the employment of Filipino seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels and Cypriot seafarers on Philippine-flagged vessels.
The second concerns cooperation in sports, including national teams, athletes, participation in sporting events, anti-doping, as well as the development of sports infrastructure and sports administration.
The third MoU concerns the facilitation of the evacuation of Filipino nationals and their family members from areas of crisis, with particular emphasis on the Middle East and North Africa, through the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking after his meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Kombos said he was the first Cypriot Foreign Minister to visit the Philippines, noting that the frequency of contacts between the two countries in recent years “says a great deal” about the importance both sides attach to their partnership.
“We discussed the whole spectrum of our relations, including how to translate our strong commitment into further concrete results,” he said, adding that the three MoUs strengthened the institutional framework of bilateral cooperation. He also recalled that another MoU had been signed just a few days earlier in New York.
Kombos referred particularly to the people-to-people links between the two countries, noting that several thousand Filipinos live and work in Cyprus, contributing to the economy and becoming an integral part of the country’s social and economic fabric.
He also said that more than 15,000 Filipino seafarers served on Cyprus-flagged vessels last year, highlighting the strong maritime ties between the two countries. He also referred to the presence of Cyprus-based shipping companies in the Philippines, as well as seafarer training centres, one of which he was due to visit during his trip.
Kombos also welcomed the presence of Cypriot technology companies in the Philippines, particularly in the artificial intelligence and financial technology sectors, describing this as “a promising basis for deeper cooperation in the very near future.”
Referring to maritime cooperation, he stressed that, as maritime nations, Cyprus and the Philippines know the crucial importance of freedom of navigation and the fundamental role of public international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which he described as “the constitution for the oceans.”
“There can be no other way. Strict adherence is the only way,” he said, referring to the need for full adherence to international law and UNCLOS.
At the same time, he stressed that the two countries must also focus on the well-being and rights of those serving at sea. In this context, he referred to Cyprus’ recent decision to endorse the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Rights, congratulating the Philippines for undertaking the initiative.
Kombos also paid Cyprus’ respects to Filipino seafarers who have lost their lives in international conflicts, noting that they were another example of the devastation caused by war.
The meeting also covered EU-ASEAN and EU-Philippines relations, with Kombos congratulating the Philippines on its 2026 ASEAN Chairpersonship and its contribution to strengthening the EU-ASEAN partnership.
Referring to EU-Philippines relations, he described the Enhanced Partnership and the substantial agreement reached on the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement as a “historical achievement.”
“As far as Cyprus is concerned, we anticipate that the FTA will facilitate growth in our economic relations in both directions,” he said.
The Cypriot Foreign Minister also briefed his Philippine counterpart on developments concerning the Cyprus Question and Cyprus’ efforts to renew negotiations “only and exclusively” in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council parameters.
He expressed Cyprus’ deep appreciation for the Philippines’ longstanding and principled support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Kombos concluded that Cyprus and the Philippines had managed to build a regular and substantive dialogue, expressing confidence that concrete results would continue to follow. He also said he very much hoped to welcome Lazaro soon in Cyprus and reciprocate the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
During his visit to the Philippines, Kombos also visited the Nautilus Training Centre, exclusive partner of Columbia Shipmanagement, which has trained more than 195,000 Filipino seafarers.
During his visit to Manila, he also laid a wreath at the memorial of José Rizal.
