Cyprus–Qatar relations
Bilateral relations
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History
Relations between the two countries began in the mid-1950s when Cypriot businessmen invested in and set up businesses in Qatar.[1]
Economic cooperation
ExxonMobil and Qatar's state-owned energy company QatarEnergy have partnered to explore Cyprus' hydrocarbon reserves. After discovering a modest deposits of offshore natural gas reserves in 2019, a more sizable reserve was found off the southern coast of the island in 2025.[2][3]
Diplomatic missions
Diplomatic cooperation
The highest level visit from Qatar took place in April 2010, when Qatari emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani visited Cyprus.[5] A preliminary agreement for a joint real estate venture was signed during this visit.[6] In May 2011, Cyprus and Qatar finalized the agreement. The agreement concluded a development project opposite of the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia which involved the construction of a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, offices and apartments.[6]
In statements to the press, President Christofias said bilateral relations and ways to enhance them were discussed during the talks, and that the joint investment with Qatari Diar was of great importance, noting that it indicated the high level of relations and the rapid development of cooperation between the two countries.[citation needed] This emphasis on a strong desire for increased economic cooperation between the two nations was reiterated in 2024 when emir Al Thani visited president Christodoulides.[7]
Cyprus' imports from Qatar nearly doubled from 2006 to 2010, whereas its exports increased by more than 50%. In 2010, Qatar was Cyprus' twenty-second largest importer.[1]
