Christodoulides discusses bilateral cooperation and EU-UK relations with Starmer

President Nikos Christodoulides met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer , at the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street, in London to discuss bilateral cooperation and EU-UK relations.

According to an official announcement, after the meeting, the President of the Republic, in his statements to media representatives, stated the following, “I am delighted because – and I mentioned it to the Prime Minister – I am the first leader of a European Union member state to meet with him after the historic agreement with the EU, after the presence here of the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council. We discussed the relationship of the EU with the UK , taking into account the fact that Cyprus, from 1 January 2026, will be the presiding country of the Council (of the EU)."

"From there, we discussed our bilateral relations, in particular, moving forward in the immediate future with a strategic agreement on defence and security issues – we are very close to reaching such an agreement – and, of course, the Cyprus issue," Christodoulides continued.

He went on to note, "We have two important developments: the appointment of Ms. Holguín , who will be in Cyprus in the coming days, and the appointment of Mr. Hahn from the EU side. Britain's role as a guarantor power, as a country participating in the expanded conferences that are taking place – and the next one will be in Geneva at the end of July – is important, and we discussed how we can lead to the resumption of substantive negotiations, because that is the main issue."

This was Christodoulides' third meeting with Starmer since the Prime Minister took office in July 2024, which demonstrates the excellent level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the UK, the announcement noted.

The 21 May meeting follows the Sir Starmer's historic visit to Cyprus in December 2024, the first visit by a British Prime Minister to the country in 53 years, it went on to note.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, Christodoulides said, "Delighted to meet British PM Keir Starmer, our 3rd mtg over the past months. Coordinated on the Cyprus problem ahead of the upcoming July meeting. Discussed bilateral cooperation as well as EU- UK relations in light of the significant Summit of this week and ahead of Cyprus' EU Presidency."

In a post on Instagrame, Christodoulides said, " A strategic partnership that goes from strength to strength. Delighted to meet British PM Keir Starmer, our third meeting over the past months. Coordinated on the Cyprus problem, ahead of the upcoming July meeting. Also discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as EU- UK relations in light of the significant Summit of this week and ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council."

In his own post on X, the British Prime Minister said, "Welcome to Downing Street, President Christodoulides. We will continue our work together to deliver national and economic security for people in both our countries."