Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos spoke by phone on Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to address the recent US-Iran ceasefire and its implications for regional stability.
Taking to social media, Kombos emphasised the “imperative need to ensure a path for meaningful dialogue towards a comprehensive peace,” calling for sustained calm and cooperation.
“De-escalation across the region, including in Lebanon from all sides, is vital. Ensuring freedom of navigation and the protection of civilians, in full respect of international law, is essential,” he stressed.
Kombos welcomed the ceasefire as “a crucial step towards a return to diplomacy” and urged all parties to seize the opportunity to maintain de-escalation and implement measures for a comprehensive, sustained resolution.
He stressed that countries in the region should contribute to diplomatic efforts “for the benefit of our region and beyond.”
President Nikos Christodoulides earlier welcomed the two-week conditional ceasefire, describing it as a temporary halt to hostilities that could pave the way for negotiations.
“De-escalation is the main goal,” he said, adding that Cyprus has a “particular interest” given its role holding the EU council presidency and hosting an informal European Council summit later this month.
Christodoulides said a confirmed ceasefire would be “something positive for our country, for its people, for the region, for the world, for the European Union,” while authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
The ceasefire followed a period of heightened tensions, including threats from US President Donald Trump and international calls for restraint.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly urged reconsideration of Trump’s ultimatum to Iran, leading to an early Wednesday announcement of the ceasefire.
Israel has insisted that the truce does not apply to Lebanon, where the continued combat zone south of the Litani river remains active.
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