Cypriot diplomatic tour in Central Asia
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos conducted a diplomatic tour of Central Asia in early June 2026. Following an official visit to Kazakhstan, where a business forum was held in Astana, Foreign Minister Kombos continued the mission to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In Dushanbe, Kombos met with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin, signing a memorandum on higher education and research. The primary objectives of these visits include strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation, and bolstering EU-Central Asia engagement. The diplomatic outreach has faced criticism from Turkey, which traditionally maintains strong influence in the region. Tensions rose further following the honorary award presented to President Christodoulides in Almaty, leading to vocal dissatisfaction from Turkish commentators and the reported cancellation of a planned visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Kazakhstan. All Central Asian states involved previously signed a joint declaration with the EU reaffirming commitment to UN resolutions 541 and 550 regarding the non-recognition of Northern Cyprus.