Allies:

Greece:

  • Cyprus shares a deep and historical friendship with Greece, based on cultural ties, shared values, and strategic cooperation.
  • Both countries have a strong partnership in various fields, including defense, energy, tourism, and diplomacy.
  • Greece has been a vocal supporter of Cyprus in its efforts to reunify the island and resolve the Cyprus dispute. Additionally, Greece and Cyprus have collaborated closely on issues related to maritime security and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israel:

  • Cyprus has developed a close relationship with Israel, marked by economic cooperation, energy collaboration, and security coordination.
  • Both countries have worked together on energy projects in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the development of natural gas fields and the construction of gas pipelines.
  • The relationship between Cyprus and Israel is also strengthened by their shared concerns about regional threats, such as terrorism and Iranian influence.

Neutral:

Turkey:

  • Turkey maintains a complex relationship with Cyprus, marked by historical tensions, territorial disputes, and diplomatic challenges.
  • Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus and instead supports the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Turkey. This has been a source of contention between Turkey and Cyprus, leading to periodic diplomatic tensions and disputes.
  • However, there have been efforts to improve relations between Cyprus and Turkey, particularly in the context of negotiations to reunify the island. These efforts have often faced obstacles and setbacks, but there have been occasional signs of progress and cooperation.

Enemies:

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC):

  • The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, is considered an adversary by the internationally recognized government of Cyprus.
  • The TRNC was established in 1983 following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, which resulted in the de facto partition of the island. The TRNC’s existence is not recognized by the United Nations or the majority of the international community.
  • Efforts to resolve the Cyprus dispute and reunify the island have been complicated by the presence of the TRNC and its relationship with Turkey, leading to ongoing tensions and obstacles in the peace process.

Some Regional Powers with Conflicting Interests:

  • Cyprus faces challenges from some regional powers with conflicting interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding energy exploration and maritime boundaries.
  • Turkey, in particular, has clashed with Cyprus and other neighboring countries over the delineation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the rights to offshore hydrocarbon resources.
  • Cyprus has sought to assert its sovereignty and rights in its maritime zones through diplomatic channels, legal actions, and international partnerships. However, disputes over energy resources and maritime boundaries continue to pose challenges to regional stability and cooperation.