Cyprus

Our relationship with Cyprus

New Zealand has a long-standing relationship with Cyprus based on our status as small island states and our shared Commonwealth heritage. Cyprus is important for New Zealand as a partner in the European Union. New Zealand often meets with Cypriot leaders in international fora such as the United Nations and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings.

New Zealand, alongside the majority of the international community, recognises only the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

New Zealand has consistently supported the UN-led efforts to find a peaceful, just and lasting solution to end the division of the island. The mandate for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus is considered by the United Nations Security Council every six months and New Zealand has played a supportive role in these discussions.

Members of the New Zealand Police served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus between May 1964 and June 1967. Eminent New Zealander, Dame Ann Hercus, served as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Cyprus from May 1998 to September 1999 in efforts to re-open channels of communication between the two communities.

Trade

Information on New Zealand’s trade relationship with Cyprus is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

As Cyprus is a European Union member state, the EU-NZ FTA will apply to trade between Cyprus and New Zealand following ratification and entry into force.

Embassies

• New Zealand is represented in Cyprus by the New Zealand Embassy in Rome
• New Zealand have consular services in Nicosia
• Cyprus is represented in New Zealand by the High Commission in Canberra
• Cyprus have consular services in Christchurch

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Cyprus

• June 2015: Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• June 2013: Hon Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs