President of Cyprus arrives in Kyiv
Photo: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrives in Kyiv on an official visit (gov.cy)
Today, December 4, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Ukraine on an official visit, according to the Cyprus government website.
"The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, is travelling to Ukraine, in the framework of his official visit to the country," the statement says.
According to Kathimerini Cyprus, Christodoulides was met at the railway station in Kyiv by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebynskyi and Ambassador of Ukraine to Cyprus Serhii Nizhynskyi.
Photo: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrives in Kyiv on an official visit (gov.cy)
The visit of the President of Cyprus comes as the country prepares to take over the presidency of the Council of the EU. He is accompanied by government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Director of the President's Diplomatic Office Doros Venizelos, and other senior officials.
Photo: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrives in Kyiv on an official visit (gov.cy)
During his stay in Kyiv, Christodoulides will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he will reaffirm Cyprus' commitment to international law and respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The leaders will discuss Ukraine's accession to the EU, the priorities of Cyprus's upcoming presidency of the EU Council, and the implementation and effectiveness of international sanctions.
A wreath-laying ceremony is planned at the Wall of Remembrance for the fallen defenders of Ukraine in the war with Russia. This will be followed by a closed meeting and extended talks at the presidential palace on relations between Ukraine and the EU, and then a working lunch.
Christodoulides will also meet with Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, visit a rehabilitation center for children who have returned after being abducted from Ukraine, and visit St. Sophia Cathedral.
The President of Cyprus will return home on December 5.
Cyprus is interested in cooperating with Ukraine in the defense sector. In particular, this concerns the purchase of drones and the analysis of the use of artificial intelligence.
Cyprus will take over the presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026, replacing Denmark.
This six-month presidency will focus on strengthening international partnerships to promote peace and prosperity, rather than on defense issues, unlike the previous presidency.
