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How Christodoulides and Meloni Brought Cyprus and Italy Closer – Behind the Scenes of the Rome Meeting

Published February 27, 2026, 14:09
How Christodoulides and Meloni Brought Cyprus and Italy Closer – Behind the Scenes of the Rome Meeting

ROME/MISSION – Nicosia recognizes that Italy is emerging as one of the key players within the European Union and was one of the reasons for aiming to upgrade relations between the two countries to a strategic level. Nikos Christodoulides and Giorgia Meloni agreed to begin discussions on an action plan for a strategic agreement between the two countries. Cyprus currently has strategic relationships with the US, the UK, Israel, France, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and is in the final stages of reaching a similar agreement with India. Traditionally, Cyprus and Italy have had a relationship without, however, seeking to upgrade it. The fact that Christodoulides and Meloni had a meeting that lasted an hour and a half is an indication of the changes they are achieving in the relations between the two countries. The talks between Christodoulides and Meloni reveal three important issues: The first is the action plan for a strategic agreement, and according to information from sources familiar with the discussions at the Prime Minister's Office, the aim of the two leaders is to conclude the agreement during a bilateral visit when Giorgia Meloni comes to Cyprus in April for the informal European Council. The action plan for strategic cooperation will cover areas such as energy, defense and security, and electricity interconnection. It will cover both issues of high politics and issues related to education, culture, etc. Diplomatic circles explained to philenews that the format of a strategic cooperation differs from country to country. In the case of Italy, this level of cooperation falls under the umbrella of an action plan. The second concerns the IMEC corridor that will connect India, the Middle East and Europe. As government sources explained to philenews, Cyprus and Italy are two countries that understand the importance of developing this corridor. In the immediate future, two important visits will take place. The first is the visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi to Italy and the visit of President Christodoulides to India. The third, Rome recognizes the role and importance of Cyprus within the European Union with an agenda that goes far beyond the Cyprus issue and European-Turkish relations. Italy sees Cyprus as a partner within the EU with whom it can cooperate on issues of great interest to the Italian side. Italy appears, according to our information, to have asked Cyprus to invite countries of the Southern Neighborhood, in addition to the countries of the Middle East, to the informal European Council that will be organized by the Cypriot EU Presidency. Identity for transatlantic relations Nikos Christodoulides and Giorgia Meloni agree that…

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