For practical reasons, President Nikos Christodoulides did not travel to Davos for the signing of the accession act to the Board of Peace, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos said on Thursday. He added that, regarding broader participation in the Board, efforts are under way in Brussels to shape a common European position and approach.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, Kombos said the Republic of Cyprus supports initiatives by US President Donald Trump related to the peace process in Gaza, as well as any effort that strengthens peacebuilding and dispute resolution, provided these remain firmly within the framework of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Practical constraints and ongoing consultations
Responding to questions, Kombos said there are outstanding issues regarding the Board’s mode of operation that require clarification. An international agreement of this scope and content, he noted, normally needs time for analysis and discussion.
He reiterated his thanks to the US President for Cyprus’ inclusion in what he described as a “closed circle of invitees”, stressing the significance of the Republic being part of this limited group. He explained that a formal invitation for the President to attend the Davos ceremony was received at a later stage, but existing obligations made participation impracticable.
Gaza-focused support, broader questions remain
Kombos underlined that Cyprus strongly supports initiatives tied to Gaza, recalling the UN Security Council framework (Resolution 2803) under which the Board of Peace initially emerged. On this specific aspect, he said, Nicosia maintains a positive stance and is discussing it with the United States and partner countries, particularly within the European family.
By contrast, the Board’s broader remit, as outlined in its charter, raises questions that Cyprus approaches with particular care, taking into account its role as holder of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Consultations in Brussels to establish a unified EU position are ongoing and have not yet concluded, he said, adding that this stance has been clearly communicated to the US side.
No rejection, but no automatic commitment
Asked whether Cyprus had declined participation, Kombos stressed that what was conveyed at this stage was the President’s inability to attend in person. As regards accession, he said Cyprus has communicated its willingness to engage on the Gaza dimension, while broader issues require further clarification and alignment with EU positions.
He rejected suggestions that non-attendance would automatically exclude Cyprus from future involvement, noting that contacts are ongoing both bilaterally and at EU level. The situation, he said, remains dynamic and cannot be assessed through a static lens that ignores subsequent developments.
EU context and next steps
Kombos also addressed questions about Turkey’s participation, saying the issue should be seen in the wider context of Cyprus’ status as an EU member state and current EU Council Presidency. He added that each country follows its own constitutional procedures for approving international agreements, a factor that must also be considered.
Finally, he confirmed that President Christodoulides would travel to Brussels later in the day to attend an extraordinary meeting of the European Council, convened to discuss recent geopolitical and geostrategic developments.
Source: CNA