Cyprus and United States agree on cooperation to protect Christians in Syria
Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency
On 17 November 2025, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. The parties discussed key issues of regional security and emphasized their shared commitment to protecting Christians and other minorities in Syria. The information was published on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
During the talks, the strategic character of Cyprus–U.S. relations was reaffirmed. The parties explored ways to deepen defense cooperation, including Cyprus’ access to U.S. military training programs and equipment procurement initiatives.
The Cyprus issue was addressed separately: Kombos reiterated Cyprus’ commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, while Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for UN efforts toward a comprehensive settlement.
The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Gaza and the prospects of Cyprus’ participation in humanitarian and reconstruction projects. Particular emphasis was placed on the shared position of Nicosia and Washington regarding the protection of Christians in Syria and the strengthening of stability in the region.
Following the meeting, both sides expressed their readiness to continue deepening cooperation and coordinating their efforts in the Middle East.
Earlier, UOJ reported that in Syria Christians were able to return home for the first time in 13 years after the withdrawal of ISIS.
Read also
Three monastic tonsures performed at Mezhyrich Monastery
New monks were tonsured in the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.
Rector of Kozary parish, where OCU seized church, reposes in the Lord
A priest of the Nizhyn Eparchy, who served until his last days in a community deprived of its church, has reposed in the Lord.
MP: In Kyiv's botanical garden we have to listen to Church Slavonic dialect
MP Solomiya Bobrovska expressed dissatisfaction with the broadcast of Divine services from the Trinity-St. Jonah Monastery of the capital.
Volyn deputies call to verify UOC's right to use church in Hishyn
The Volyn Regional Council decided to find out whether UOC believers are legally using a 16th-century wooden church.
Vatican warns of rising Christianophobia in the West
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu stated about systemic discrimination against Christian symbols in Europe amid demonstrative tolerance towards other religions.