Cyprus marks 66th anniversary of independence

On August 16, 2026, Cyprus commemorated the 66th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides marked the occasion with a statement on the X platform, labeling the Republic the nation’s “most important achievement” and the “pinnacle moment in the history of the country.” He credited the achievement to the long-standing struggles of the Cypriot people, specifically highlighting the anti-colonial campaign led by EOKA against British rule.

President Christodoulides emphasized that protecting, upgrading, and strengthening the Republic remains the government's highest priority. Domestically, the administration aims to bolster national security, improve the economy, modernize state institutions, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. On the international front, the goal is to reinforce the Republic's reputation as a reliable and creative partner.

These efforts are linked to the broader national objective of securing liberation from the ongoing Turkish occupation and achieving the eventual reunification of the island. By strengthening the state’s internal and external standing, the government expects to be better positioned to pursue these long-desired goals.