Cyprus

Bilateral relationship

New Zealand recognises only the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It has consistently supported the UN's efforts to find a solution to end the division of the island. New Zealand contributed a police contingent to the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) between 1964 and 1967. An eminent New Zealander, Dame Ann Hercus, served as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Cyprus from May 1998 - September 1999 in efforts to re-open channels of communication between the two communities. New Zealand regrets the Turkish military presence in the North, and has called for its withdrawal. We consider that the key to a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus question lies in the continuation of UN-brokered negotiations.

New Zealand is currently negotiating a bilateral Social Security Agreement and a Working Holiday Scheme with Cyprus.

 

Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km is controlled by the Turkish Cypriot administration)
Population 1.03 million (2011 est)
Capital City Nicosia
Languages Greek and Turkish

Political

Political system Multi-party Republic
National government President with executive powers; Council of Ministers appointed by the President
National legislature Unicameral House of Representatives elected by direct universal suffrage
Last election February 2008 (Presidential), May 2011 (Legislative)
Next election February 2013 (Presidential), May 2016 (Legislative)
Head of State President Demetris Christofias (Progressive Party of Working People - AKEL)

Economic (2011)

GDP $US24.7 billion
Real GDP growth 0.5%
Exports US$2.2 billion
Imports US$7.35 billion
Main exports Pharmaceuticals, clothing, potatoes, citrus, cement
Current account balance US$-5.1 billion
Inflation 3.9%
Unemployment 7.8%

New Zealand Trade (2011)

NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$19 million
Main Exports Beef, sheepmeat, seafood, machinery
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$2 million
Main Imports Medicaments, pharmaceuticals, paper productstop of page

 

Visits

• Rt Hon Don McKinnon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Cyprus in 1999.
• Glafkos Clerides, the President of Cyprus, visited New Zealand as part of CHOGM in 1995.

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Representation

The New Zealand Ambassador in Rome [external link] is accredited to Cyprus as High Commissioner. There is a New Zealand Honorary Consul in Nicosia.

The Cyprus High Commissioner in Canberra is accredited to New Zealand.

 

Travel advice

The Safe Travel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Cyprus [external link].

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