Larnaca and Manama sign historic twinning agreement

Larnaca became the first Cypriot city to establish a twinning agreement with a city in the Gulf region after signing a formal deal with Manama, the capital of Bahrain, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The agreement was signed in Manama by Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Aleya Yahya, director general of Bahrain’s Ministry of Local Government, in the presence of Minister Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak and Capital Governor Sheikh Khalid bin Humood bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

The partnership aims to foster collaboration across several strategic sectors, including tourism, trade, investment, education, and research. Specific areas of cooperation include the management of coastal resources, waste management, the development of public parks, and digital transformation. Furthermore, the cities intend to exchange best practices in technology and the blue economy. During his visit, Mayor Vyras, who serves as president of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, held a high-level meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at Riffa Palace.

This agreement builds upon Larnaca's efforts to leverage its research capabilities, highlighting the role of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute and the upcoming School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development. The initiative is expected to facilitate long-term academic and business connections, setting a precedent for future bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Gulf nations.