Iran
China enlists Pakistan to reopen Iran-US channel
Pakistan is exploring a path towards a resumption of stalled U.S.-Iran talks over ending their nearly five-month-old war, three Pakistani sources said, following a push initiated by China.
UK and Cyprus reaffirm strategic partnership
1 min Edward Finkelstein
Senior officials from Cyprus and the United Kingdom met in Nicosia on December 18 for the third annual Strategic Dialogue, reaffirming the strength of their bilateral partnership and outlining priorities for the year ahead.
Both governments agreed to build on the outcomes of the dialogue to advance security, prosperity, and shared values for both nations © MOFA Cyprus
Senior officials from Cyprus and the United Kingdom met in Nicosia on December 18 for the third annual Strategic Dialogue, reaffirming the strength of their bilateral partnership and outlining priorities for the year ahead.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
They welcomed the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to support dialogue and confirmed their continued engagement in the UN-led process. With Cyprus set to assume the Presidency of the EU Council, officials stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on the outcomes of the May 2025 EU-UK Summit.
Cooperation on foreign policy, defence, and security has deepened over the past year, including joint support for Ukraine and enhanced sanctions enforcement.
The UK and Cyprus agreed to expand cooperation on sanctions implementation and regional security, particularly in the Middle East, while continuing to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza through the Cyprus Maritime Corridor.
London also recognised Cyprus’s role in crisis response, including civilian evacuations under Plan ESTIA.
Defence ties will strengthen further through expanded military exercises, defence industry collaboration, and progress toward a broader security agreement. The two countries also committed to closer cooperation within international forums such as the UN, OSCE, and the Commonwealth.
On migration, both sides pledged continued joint action against illegal migration, human trafficking, and illicit finance, alongside enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation in the tourism sector.
Education, innovation, and business ties remain central to the partnership, with plans for new academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, and a high-level business and investment meeting in the year ahead.
Both governments agreed to build on the outcomes of the dialogue to advance security, prosperity, and shared values for both nations.
Related
Lebanon
Lebanese return home after Israeli pullback
Residents began entering the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on Friday, some inspecting damaged homes and searching for belongings after Israeli troops withdrew and the Lebanese army deployed under a U.S.-brokered agreement.
United Nations
Critic of Israel seeks to stay at UN
United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk, an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza, faces opposition from both countries to a second four-year term ahead of a potentially contentious vote on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.
Subscribe to our newsletter
