Relationship dossier
Cyprus
Syria
Relationship assessment
Humanitarian assistance and support for Cyprus’s territorial integrity coexist with sanctions-related friction.
Cyprus toward Syria
-10Cyprus has applied EU sanctions targeting the Syrian government, creating political and economic friction. Cyprus has also provided humanitarian assistance to Syria, including after the 2023 earthquake.
Syria toward Cyprus
+15Syria has not recognized the Turkish-controlled northern part of Cyprus and has supported the Republic of Cyprus’s territorial integrity.
Overall relationship
0The relationship combines Syria’s support for Cyprus’s territorial integrity and Cyprus’s humanitarian assistance with Cyprus’s participation in EU sanctions against the Syrian government. These features point to a mixed bilateral relationship rather than a close partnership or sustained confrontation.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Cyprus’s EU-aligned sanctions on the Syrian government have created friction, while Cyprus has also provided humanitarian assistance to Syria. Syria’s policy of not recognizing the Turkish-controlled northern part of Cyprus supports the Republic of Cyprus’s territorial integrity. These contrasting elements shape a relationship with limited cooperation and some political tension.
Areas of tension
- Cyprus’s implementation of EU sanctions targeting the Syrian government.
Key developments
Cyprus provided humanitarian assistance to Syria following the earthquake.
Cyprus applied EU sanctions targeting the Syrian government.
Syria maintained its non-recognition of the Turkish-controlled northern part of Cyprus.
Major uncertainties
- The extent of direct Cyprus–Syria cooperation beyond humanitarian assistance is unclear.
- The practical scope and current implementation of bilateral agreements are unclear.