Foreign relations of Cyprus

Cyprus is a member of the United Nations^[1] along with most of its agencies as well as the Commonwealth of Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Council of Europe. In addition, the country has signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Agreement (MIGA). Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and in the second half of the 2012 it held the presidency of the Council of the European Union.^[2]

Non-alignment

Cyprus has historically followed a non-aligned foreign policy, although it increasingly identifies with the West in its cultural affinities and trade patterns, and maintains close relations with European Union, Greece and Israel.

Cyprus former President Makarios III at a state visit in Munich with the German Chancellor in 1962

Foreign Ministers of the European Union countries in Limassol during Cyprus Presidency of the EU in 2012

The prime originator of Cypriot non-alignment was Makarios III, the first President (1960–1977) of the independent republic of Cyprus. Prior to independence, Makarios - by virtue of his post as Archbishop of Cyprus and head of the Cypriot Orthodox Church - was the Greek Cypriot Ethnarch, or de facto leader of the community. A highly influential figure well before independence, he participated in the 1955 Bandung Conference. After independence, Makarios took part in the 1961 founding meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade.

Cyprus representations abroad

  resident embassy

  non-resident embassy

  diplomatic relations only, but no mission

  states that don't recognise the Republic of Cyprus

Reasons for this neutrality may lie in the extreme pressures exerted on the infant Republic by its larger neighbours, Turkey and Greece. Intercommunal rivalries and movements for union with Greece or partial union with Turkey may have persuaded Makarios to steer clear of close affiliation with either side. In any case Cyprus became a high-profile member of the Non-Aligned Movement and retained its membership until its entry into the European Union in 2004. At the non-governmental level, Cyprus has also been a member of the popular extension of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organisation hosting several high-level meetings.

Immediately after the 1974 Greek-sponsored coup d'état and the Turkish invasion, Makarios secured international recognition of his administration as the legitimate government of the whole island. This was disputed only by Turkey, which currently recognises only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established in 1983.

Since the 1974 crisis, the chief aim of the foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus has been to secure the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the reunification of the island under the most favourable constitutional and territorial settlement possible. This campaign has been pursued primarily through international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, and in recent years through the European Union.

Presidents of Russia and Cyprus meet at least once every year.

Cyprus president Dimitris Christofias and Cyprus first lady with U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Turkey

Turkey flatly refuses to recognize the government of the Republic of Cyprus, stating that the Republic - as established by the Constitution of 1960 - ceased to exist when the intercommunal violence that commenced in December 1963 ended Turkish Cypriot participation in the Cypriot government. The attempted coup in July 1974 - engineered by Greek Military Junta - was responded to by Turkey by a full military invasion, which resulted in the northern third of the island being occupied by Turkish military forces. This portion of Cyprus unilaterally declared independence in November 1983 as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which Turkey recognizes. Turkey refers to the Republic of Cyprus government as "The Greek Cypriot Administration of South Cyprus."

Cyprus takes the view that the TRNC government is a puppet administration, and thus prefers to negotiate with Turkey over the resolution of the Cyprus Problem. Turkey insists that the TRNC government is the institution that the RoC government must refer to in negotiations.

Cyprus' accession to the European Union has had a negative impact on Turkey in regards to its own accession negotiations. The refusal of Turkey to allow Cypriot-flagged ships to access Turkish ports has resulted in a partial suspension of its accession negotiations. However Cyprus is in favor of Turkey's Accession to the EU with the hope it will facilitate a viable and just solution of the Cyprus Problem.^[3]

Europe

Cyprus embassy in Stockholm

Cyprus embassy in Moscow

Cyprus' 1990 application for full EU membership caused a storm in the Turkish Cypriot community, which argued that the move required their consent. Following the December 1997 EU Summit decisions on EU enlargement, accession negotiations began 31 March 1998. Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. To fulfil its commitment as a member of the European Union, Cyprus withdrew from the Non-Aligned Movement on accession, retaining observer status.

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Armenia	1991	See Armenia–Cyprus relations Armenia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens (Greece). Cyprus is represented in Armenia through its embassy in Moscow (Russia) and through an honorary consulate in Yerevan. There are over 3,500 people of Armenian descent living in Cyprus. Cyprus was the second country to recognise the Armenian Genocide on 24 April 1975. Cyprus Foreign Ministry: list of bilateral treaties with Armenia
Bulgaria	1960	See Bulgaria–Cyprus relations Bulgaria has an embassy in Nicosia, and honorary consulate in Limassol. Cyprus has an embassy in Sofia. Cyprus joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004, while Bulgaria joined on 1 January 2007. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Bulgaria
Czech Republic	1960s	Cyprus has an embassy in Prague.[4] The Czech Republic has an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates (in Limassol and Nicosia).[5] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with the Czech Republic
Denmark		See Cyprus–Denmark relations Cyprus has an embassy in Copenhagen and an honorary consulate in Århus.[6] Denmark has an embassy in Nicosia.[7] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Denmark
Estonia	22 January 1992	Cyprus recognized the Republic of Estonia on 12 September 1991. Cyprus is represented in Estonia through its embassy in Helsinki (Finland). Estonia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens (Greece) and through 2 honorary consulates in Nicosia. Both countries are full members of the European Union. By the late 2005, in Nicosia the first session of the Estonia-Cyprus Intergovernmental Commission established under the Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical and Industrial Co-operation took place. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Estonia Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Cyprus
Finland	2 September 1961	Finland recognized Cyprus on 16 August 1960. Cyprus has an embassy in Helsinki and an honorary consulate in Vantaa.[8] Finland has an embassy and 2 honorary consulates in Nicosia.[9] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Finland
France		The two countries share membership of the European Union. Cyprus is an associate member of the Francophonie organization since 2006. About 12% of Cyprus population speaks and understands French. France is a supporter of Cyprus in the different (sicsic) that oppose the European Union against Turkey's refusal to recognize and admit Cypriot ships and planes. France contributes significantly in the military equipment of Cyprus National Guard. List of Treaties between the 2 countries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus French embassy in Cyprus
Georgia	9 July 1993	See Cyprus-Georgia relations Cyprus is represented in Georgia through its embassy in Moscow (Russia). Georgia has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Georgia Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the relations with Cyprus
Germany	1960	See Cyprus–Germany relations Cyprus has an embassy in Berlin and a consulate-general in Hamburg.[10] Germany has an embassy in Nicosia.[11] Both countries are members of the European Union. In 2004, an agreement on mutual recognition of university degrees was signed, designed to facilitate Cypriot and German students' admission to German and Cypriot universities. There is a close and trustful cooperation at a government level. Minister of State Hoyer visited Cyprus on 11 and 12 February 2010. Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with his Cypriot counterpart Marcos Kyprianou in Berlin on 2 March Cyprus Foreign Ministry: list of bilateral treaties between Cyprus and Germany German Foreign Ministry about relations with Cyprus
Greece		See Cyprus–Greece relations Cyprus has an embassy in Athens and a consulate-general in Thessaloniki. Greece has an embassy in Nicosia. Both countries are members of the European Union. The Greek Cypriot majority in Cyprus and the ethnic Greek population of Greece share a common ethnicity, heritage, language, and religion, leading to an exceptionally close relationship between the two countries.
Hungary	1960	Cyprus has an embassy in Budapest. Hungary has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[12] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Hungary
Ireland		See Cyprus–Ireland relations Ireland has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus has an embassy in Dublin. Since 1964, over 9,000 members of the Irish Defense Forces have served in Cyprus without suffering any casualties.[13]
Italy	1960	Cyprus has an embassy in Rome and 5 honorary consulates (in Genova, Milano, Napoli, Perugia and Augusta). Italy has an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates (in Limassol and Larnaca).[14] Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Italy
Lithuania		Cyprus is represented in Lithuania through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland). Lithuania is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens (Greece) and through an honorary consulates in Nicosia and Larnaca.[15] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Ministry: list of bilateral treaties with Lithuania Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Cyprus (in Lithuanian only)
Malta		See Cyprus–Malta relations Cyprus is represented to Malta through its accredited embassy in Rome (Italy). Malta is represented to Cyprus through its accredited embassy in Athens (Greece). The two countries are members of the European Union and Commonwealth of Nations. List of Treaties between the 2 countries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
Moldova	12 February 1992	Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Moldova Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration about relations with Cyprus
Monaco	24 February 2011	2011...February 24, date which is officially regarded as the date of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries Ambassador designate
Montenegro	13 March 2007	Cyprus-Montenegro relations Cyprus recognized the Republic of Montenegro on 16 June 2006. Cyprus is represented in Montenegro through its embassy in Belgrade (Serbia). Establishment of diplomatic relations (Cyprus Ministry Foreign Affairs) Cyprus recognition official recognition of Montenegro (in Montenegrin) Cyprus recognition official recognition of Montenegro
Netherlands	1960	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1960, after Cyprus independence. Cyprus has an embassy in The Hague.[16] The Netherlands have an embassy in Nicosia and 2 honorary consulates in Limassol.[17] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with the Netherlands Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Cyprus (in Dutch)
Norway		See Cyprus–Norway relations Cyprus–Norway relations are foreign relations between Cyprus and Norway. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963.[18] The government in Cyprus considers that "bilateral relations between Cyprus and Norway are excellent in all fields".[19] Neither country has resident ambassadors. Cyprus is represented in Norway through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, and 2 honorary consulates, one in Oslo and the second in Kristiansand. Norway is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece, and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[20] Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. Diplomatic relations were established on 22 March 1963.[19] On 21 August 1951, there was a Consular Convention and an Exchange of Letters relating to establishing diplomatic relations. On 2 May 1951, there was a Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. On 17 May 1962, there was an Exchange of Letters constituting an Agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirement in Nicosia. On 5 March 1963, there was an Agreement on Commercial Scheduled Air Transport signed in London.[21] The taxation levels in Cyprus are considerably lower than in Norway, and Cyprus has actively courted Norwegians to move to Cyprus.[22] Among the Norwegians who moved to Cyprus is the shipping billionaire John Fredriksen, who was the richest man in Norway.[23][24][25] In 1996 tax rules in Norway were changed to keep shipping companies competitive and under the Norwegian flag. By 2008 changes to the tonnage tax regime to harmonize them with the European Union forced some companies to register in Cyprus.[26] Norwegian Service rig company Prosafe moved their headquarters to Cyprus.[27] Several Norwegian retirees also moved to Cyprus; this too is largely to benefit from the lower tax rate on Cyprus and the minimal crime.[28][29] Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Norway Cyprus embassy in Stockholm (also accredited to Norway) Norway embassy in Athens (also accredited to Cyprus)
Poland	1960s	See Cyprus–Poland relations Cyprus has an embassy in Warsaw and 2 honorary consulates (in Gdynia and Szczecin). Poland has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate general in Limassol.[30] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Poland
Portugal		Cyprus has an embassy in Lisbon (since 1999) and an honorary consulate in Porto.[31] Portugal has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Larnaca. Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Romania	16 August 1960	Romania has an embassy in Nicosia since November 1960.[32] Cyprus has an embassy in Bucharest. Cyprus joined the European Union as a full member on 1 May 2004, while Romania joined on 1 January 2007. Cyprus Foreign Ministry: list of bilateral treaties between Cyprus and Romania Romanian Foreign Ministry about relations with Cyprus
Russia		See Cyprus–Russia relations The USSR established diplomatic relations with the newly independent Republic of Cyprus on 18 August 1960. Cooperation between both countries has increased since the 1990s and the fall of the USSR. Cyprus has an embassy in Moscow. Russia has an embassy in Nicosia.
Serbia		See Cyprus–Serbia relations Cyprus has an embassy in Belgrade. Serbia has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia The two countries share common cultural and religious ascpects as both have major orthodox-Christian populations.[33] Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Serbia
Slovakia		Cyprus is represented in Slovakia through its embassy in Vienna (Austria). Slovakia has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.[34] Both countries are full members of the European Union. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treatis with Slovakia
Slovenia		Cyprus has an embassy in Ljubljana. Slovenia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece, and through an honorary consulate in Limassol. Both countries are members of the European Union and the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs Ministry: List of bilateral treaties with Slovenia
Spain	25 December 1967	Cyprus has an embassy in Madrid and 2 honorary consulates (in Bilbao and Granada).[35] Spain has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[36] Both countries are full members of the European Union and of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Spain
Sweden		See Cyprus–Sweden relations Sweden was one of the first countries that sent UN peacekeepers to Cyprus in 1964.[37] Since 1994, Cyprus has an embassy in Stockholm.[38] Sweden has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[39] Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Sweden
Ukraine		The Cypriot embassy in Berlin (Germany) is also accredited as a non-resident embassy to Ukraine. Cyprus also has 2 honorary consulates in Kiev and in Mariupol.[40] Ukraine has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.[41] Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Ukraine
United Kingdom		See Cyprus–United Kingdom relations The two countries share membership of the European Union and Commonwealth of Nations. Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, after 83 years of British control. The continuing British sovereignty of the Dhekelia and Akrotiri areas, has continued to divide Cypriots. The base areas are not under the jurisdiction of the Cypriot government. Several Cypriot villages remain enclaved in the areas, and there have been numerous arrests of anti-British demonstrators over the past few years. These activists assert that the UK should not continue to hold territory in another EU state.

Africa

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Algeria		See Algeria–Cyprus relations Algeria is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Beirut (Lebanon). Cyprus is represented in Algeria through its embassy in Paris (France). Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Relations are normal.[42]
Egypt		See Cyprus–Egypt relations Cyprus has an embassy in Cairo. Egypt has an embassy in Nicosia. Egypt is a close ally, sharing as it does an oilfield with Cyprus.Egypt Conquered Cyprus many times in both ancient, Medieval and Modern era and it was ruled by Egyptians during many period which added bases of Egyptian culture to the local culture and supported increasing the relationship between both countries for many ages, The relationship between the two countries was also strained in February 1978 when Cypriot National Guardsmen shot dead Egyptian Commandos at Larnaca International Airport when the commandos attempted to intervene in a hostage situation.
Guinea-Bissau	May 21, 2008	Cyprus and Guinea-Bissau establish diplomatic relations
Libya		Cyprus has an embassy in Tripoli. Libya has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Libya
Madagascar		Cyprus-Madagascar relations Cyprus is represented in Madagascar through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[43] Cyprus also has an honorary consulate in Antananarivo.[44]
Mauritius	February 1, 2001[45]	Cyprus-Mauritius relations Both countries a members of the Commonwealth of Nations List of biliteral agreements.[45] Cyprus is represented in Mauritius through its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.[46]
Morocco		Cyprus is represented in Morocco through its embassy in Lisbon (Portugal).[47] Morocco is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens (Greece) and through 2 honorary consulates in Larnaca and Latsia.[48] Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Namibia		Cyprus-Namibia relations Cyprus is represented in Namibia through its High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa.[43] Namibia is represented in Cyprus through its High Commission in London, United Kingdom and an honorary consulate in Athens.[49]
Seychelles		Cyprus-Seychelles relations Both countries a members of the Commonwealth of Nations List of bilateral agreements.[50] Cyprus is represented in Seychelles through its embassy in Muscat, Oman.[51] Seychelles is represented in Cyprus through its High Commission in London, United Kingdom.[52]
South Africa	December 10, 1993	Cyprus-South Africa relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 10, 1993.[53][54] Cyprus has a High Commission in Pretoria.[43] South Africa is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens, Greece.[53]
Tunisia	1999	Cyprus is represented in Tunisia through its embassy in Paris (France). Tunisia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome (Italy) and an honorary consulate in Larnaca. Both countries are full members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Tunisian Foreign Affairs Ministry about relations with Cyprus (in French only)

Americas

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Argentina		Argentina is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel and has an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[55] Cyprus is accredited to Argentina from its embassy in Madrid, Spain and has an honorary consulate in Buenos Aires.[56] List of Treaties ruling relations Argentina and Cyprus (Argentine Foreign Ministry, in Spanish) Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Argentina
Brazil	July 21, 1964	Brazil-Cyprus relations Diplomatic relations were established on July 21 1964[57] Cyprus has an embassy in Brazilia.[58] Brazil has an embassy in Nicosia.[59]
Canada		See Canada–Cyprus relations Canadian bilateral political relations with Cyprus stemmed initially from Cypriot Commonwealth membership at independence in 1960 (that had followed a guerrilla struggle with Britain). These relations quickly expanded in 1964 when Canada became a major troop contributor to UNFICYP. The participation lasted for the next 29 years, during which 50,000 Canadian soldiers served and 28 were killed. In large measure Canadian relations with Cyprus continue to revolve around support for the ongoing efforts of the United Nations, G8 and others to resolve the Island's divided status. Contacts with Cyprus on other issues also take place in international organizations such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Commonwealth of Nations. Canada is accredited to Cyprus from its high commission in Athens, Greece and an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[60] Cyprus has a high-commission in Ottawa and an honorary consulate in Vancouver.[61]
Colombia	January 25, 1966	Colombia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy. Cyprus is represented in Colombia through its embassy in Mexico City, Mexico. In 2010, both Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed a cooperation agreement regarding tourism and the war on drugs.[62]
Mexico	1960	Cyprus has an embassy in Mexico City.[63] Mexico is accredited to Cyprus from its embassy in Athens, Greece and has an honorary consulate in Nicosia.[64] Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Mexico
Peru	1966	Cyprus-Peru relations Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1966.[65] Cyprus is represented in Peru through its embassy in Brazilia, Brazil.[43]
United States		See Cyprus–United States relations Cyprus has an embassy in Washington, DC and a consulate-general in New York City.[66] United States has an embassy in Nicosia.[67]

Asia

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
China		See Cyprus–China relations China has an embassy in Nicosia.[68] Cyprus has an embassy in Beijing.[69]
India		Cyprus has a High Commission in New Delhi and 2 honorary consulates (in Mumbai and Kolkata). India has a High Commission in Nicosia.[70] Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. Cypriots are recognised as part of Greece by the Indians. Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with India
Iran	1960s	Cyprus has an embassy in Tehran.[71] Iran has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Iran Cyprus-Indonesia relations
Indonesia		Cyprus-Indonesia relations Diplomatic relations were established on December 4 1987[72][73] Cyprus is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Canberra, Australia.[74] Indonesia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy.[75]
Israel	1960	See Cyprus–Israel relations In the case of Israel, Cyprus has occasionally outwardly backed the Palestinians in the Arab-Israeli conflict, to the annoyance of some in the Israeli government. Cyprus, like over 100 other countries, officially recognizes Palestine as a de facto state. The island is also host to a number of Palestinian and Lebanese refugees. Relations between the two countries continued to suffer when Cypriot first lady Antroulla Vasiliou, the wife of President George Vasiliou, was declared persona non grata in Israel when a delegation she was leading attempted to meet with Yasser Arafat, who was under house arrest. Controversy and public outcry arose in the early 2000s, when members of the Cypriot branch of the Greek Orthodox Church were accused of selling church-owned land in the West Bank to Israeli developers, putting Cypriot commitment to the Palestinian cause at question. The expulsion of two alleged Israeli spies from the island in 1998 also caused tension between the two governments. The two countries now appear to be on improving terms, there has been coopertation on numerous areas but mostly on agriculture, military and tourism. The Cypriot government has also been reported to be making deals with both Israel and Egypt in exploring for oil off the southern Cyprus coast. Israeli foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman visited Cyprus at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart when Netanyahu was in Washington for the direct talks with the Palestinian leader. Lieberman and Cyprus foreign minister Kyprianou have met several times this year in an effort to strengthen relations between their countries. Cyprus has an embassy in Tel Aviv.[76] Israel has an embassy in Nicosia.[77] Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Israel
Japan	1962-06	Cypriot president Makarios made a state visit to Japan in 1970. Subsequently Cypriot president Spyros Kyprianou visited in 1984 and president George Vasiliou visited in 1989 and 1990. The balance of trade between Cyprus and Japan is heavily weighed in favor of Japan, with Japan exporting automobiles and electrical products and importing clothing and food products. Cyprus is represented in Japan through its non-resident ambassador based in Beijing, China, with an honorary consulate in Tokyo. Japan is represented in Cyprus through its non-resident ambassador based in Athens, Greece, with as an honorary consulate in Limassol. Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Japan Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on relations with Cyprus
Jordan	1960	Cyprus is represented in Jordan through its embassy in Damascus (Syria) and Cyprus has an honorary consulate in Amman. Jordan is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Athens (Greece) and Jordan has an honorary consulate in Nicosia. * Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Jordan
Kazakhstan	1960	Cyprus an honorary consulate in Astana and is represented through its embassy in Moscow.[78] Kazakhstan has an honorary consultate in Nicosia and Limassol. Both countries are members of the United Nations. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Kazakhstan
Mongolia	December 19, 1973	Cyprus-Mongolia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on December 19, 1973.[79][80] Cyprus is represented in Mongolia through its embassy in Beijing, China.[43] Mongolia is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria[81]
North Korea	1995	See Foreign relations of North Korea The establishment of diplomatic relations between the North Korea and the Republic of Cyprus started on 1995.
Lebanon	1960	Cyprus has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Beirut.[82] Lebanon has an embassy in Nicosia. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Lebanon
Oman	1978	Oman has an embassy in Nicosia. Cyprus is represented in Oman through its embassy in Cairo (Egypt) and through an honorary consulate in Muscat. Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs: list of bilateral treaties with Oman Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Cyprus
Qatar	1960	See Cyprus–Qatar relations Cyprus has an embassy in Doha. Qatar has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol. Both countries are members of the United Nations. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Qatar
Saudi Arabia	1960	See Cyprus–Saudi Arabia relations Cyprus is represented through its honorary consulate in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia is represented through its embassy in Nicosia. Both countries are members of the United Nations.
South Korea	28 December 1995[83]	See Cyprus – South Korea relations The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Republic of Cyprus (Cyprus) began on 28 December 1995. The Republic of Cyprus is represented in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) through a non-resident ambassador based in Canberra (Australia). The Republic of Korea is represented in Cyprus through a non-resident ambassador based in Athens (Greece) and an honorary consulate in Nicosia Republic of Cyprus. Bilateral Trade in 2014 Exports 31 million US dollars Imports 1.6 billion US dollars The number of South Koreans living in the Republic of Cyprus about 20. Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Cyprus Foreign relations of South Korea#Europe Foreign relations of South Korea Foreign relations of the Republic of Korea.[83]
Syria		Cyprus has an embassy in Damascus. Syria has an embassy in Nicosia. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean. Cyprus-Thailand relations
Thailand		Cyprus-Thailand relations Cyprus is represented in Thailand through its embassy in New Delhi, India.[84] Thailand is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome, Italy.[75]
United Arab Emirates		Cyprus has an embassy in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates still didn't open and embassy in Nicosia and is expected to do so in 2015. Cyprus Foreign Affairs: List of bilateral treaties with Syria
Vietnam		Cyprus is represented in Vietnam through its embassy in New Delhi, India. Vietnam is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Tripoli, Libya.

Oceania

Country	Formal relations began	Notes
Australia		Australia has a high commission in Nicosia.[85] Cyprus has a high commission in Canberra.[86]
New Zealand		Since 1964, New Zealand has contributed several times to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Cyprus is represented in New Zealand through its high commission in Canberra (Australia) and through an honorary consulate in Christchurch. New Zealand is represented in Cyprus through its embassy in Rome (Italy) and through an honorary consulate in Nicosia. Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade about relations with Cyprus
Tonga	June 22, 2009	Establishment of Diplomatic Relations with the Republic of Cyprus

Overview

The Republic of Cyprus maintains diplomatic relations with 178 states (including the Holy See and Palestinian National Authority ) and is United Nations, Union for the Mediterranean and European Union full member. It does not maintain diplomatic relations with:^[87][88]

• Azerbaijan, Macedonia
• Benin, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti, Togo, South Sudan
• Bhutan
• Kiribati, Palau, Tuvalu
• Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Cook Islands, Niue
• Kosovo, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Somaliland, Sahrawi Republic, Nagorno-Karabakh, Republic of China (Taiwan), Transnistria

The Republic of Cyprus is not recognised by Turkey.

International disputes

Condoleezza Rice by US ambassadors in Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus

The 1974 invasion of the Turkish army divided the island nation into two. The internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus currently has effective control in the south of the island (59% of the island's land area) while its area not under its effective control makes up 37% of the island. Turkey utilising the territory occupied during the invasion recognizes a declared separatist^[89] UDI of Turkish Cypriots in 1983, contrary to multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. The two territories of the Republic are separated by a United Nations Buffer Zone (4% of the island); there are two UK sovereign base areas mostly within the Greek Cypriot portion of the island.

Illicit drugs

Cyprus is a minor transit point for heroin and hashish via air routes and container traffic to Europe, especially from Lebanon; some cocaine transits as well. The island has also been criticised for supposedly lax arms control legislation.

Cyprus and the Commonwealth of Nations

Although Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960, Cyprus has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1961.

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Cyprus
• List of diplomatic missions of Cyprus
• List of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
• Foreign relations of Northern Cyprus

References

1. "UN Security Council Resolution 155 (1960)" (PDF). United Nations. August 23, 1960. Retrieved January 29, 2007.
2. "Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2012 - Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU (European Union)". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
3. Stephanos Constantinides and Jean Catsiapis Cyprus, Greece, Turkey. From The Summit of Helsinki to The Summit of Nice, Etudes helléniques / Hellenic Studies, 9 (2), Spring 2001. ISSN 0824-8621.
4. "EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS IN PRAGUE - Welcome to our Website". Retrieved 2 May 2016.
5. "Czech embassy in Nicosia". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
6. "EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS IN COPENHAGEN - Welcome to our Website". Retrieved 2 May 2016.
7. Danish embassy in Nicosia
8. "Embassy Of The Republic Of Cyprus - General Information". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
9. "Embassy of Finland, Nicosia". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
10. "Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Berlin - Home Page". Retrieved 2 May 2016.
11. "Deutsche Botschaft Nikosia - Home". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
12. Hungarian embassy in Nicosia
13. "Irish Army on Facebook". Irish Army. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
14. Italian embassy in Nicosia
15. Dizaino Kryptis. "Lietuvos Respublikos užsienio reikalų ministerija - Lietuvos Respublikos užsienio reikalų ministerija". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
16. Cyprus embassy in The Hague
17. "Netherlands Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus". Retrieved 19 February 2015.
18. "Kingdom of Norway" (PDF). Cyprus. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
19. "Cyprus – Norway Bilateral Relations". Embassy of Cyprus in Sweden. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
20. "Consulates in Greece and Cyprus". Norway. Archived from the original on 8 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-15. There are several Norwegian Honorary Consulates in Greece, and one in Nicosia, Cyprus.
21. "Kingdom of Norway" (PDF). Cyprus. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
22. "Kypros jakter på rike nordmenn". Dagsavisen (in Norwegian). 11 May 2006. Retrieved 2009-05-06. Det ble i går kjent at skipsreder John Fredriksen tidligere Norges rikeste mann har gitt opp sitt norske pass og blitt kypriot. Fredriksen kom dermed kypriotene i forkjøpet.
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