Diplomatic ties between Cyprus and Central Asian states spark criticism in Turkey

President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos have recently engaged in diplomatic outreach to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The initiative, described by Turkish media as a significant diplomatic effort by Nicosia, has faced criticism from pro-government circles in Turkey. Columnist Yusuf Kaplan of the newspaper Yeni Safak labeled these contacts a scandal, arguing they undermine the Organization of Turkic States. A key focus of the report was the recent visit to Kazakhstan, where President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded President Christodoulides the Order of Friendship. Tokayev praised Christodoulides for his efforts to improve the international profile of the Republic of Cyprus and expressed the importance of multifaceted cooperation between Astana and Nicosia. Turkish analysts interpret these developments as part of a broader strategy by Central Asian republics to forge closer ties with the European Union via Cyprus. While Turkish sources view these actions negatively, the Central Asian leadership has emphasized the value of the expanding partnership with the Republic of Cyprus.