Marina Economides
In an interview with Kathimerini's Marina Economidou , British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Michael Tatham, doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the more pressing and controversial issues shaping relations between the UK and Cyprus.
When it comes to the Cyprus problem, he challenges the dramatic notion of a “last chance,” suggesting that while urgency is essential, history shows such language has been used before — and time isn't necessarily on our side. On NATO membership, he strikes a pragmatic tone, acknowledging President Nikos Christodoulides’ readiness as realistic but noting the constraints that exist today.
And for Cypriot students feeling the sting of high tuition fees at British universities post-Brexit? He admits it’s a real concern, one that’s on the radar of both governments, even if a quick fix isn’t in sight.
It’s a conversation that walks the line between optimism and realism, offering a glimpse into the evolving diplomatic dance between Cyprus and the UK.
Q: You’ve been in Cyprus for about a month. Have you already outlined your priorities for the remainder of your term?
A: While it’s still early days, I’ve identified three key priorities. The first is strengthening the UK’s bilateral relations with Cyprus. I’m fortunate to have taken office at a time when these relations are progressing and improving. I’m even more fortunate that our Prime Minister visited Cyprus in my first month here. I see many opportunities to enhance these relations in ways that benefit both countries.
Secondly, as a guarantor power, I place significant emphasis on the role of the United Kingdom in supporting the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. We are fully committed to this process, in line with the United Nations framework, and are ready to assist through all diplomatic channels.
Finally, my third priority is to foster and expand connections between our two countries at the business, educational, and other levels. I’m particularly proud to represent the UK in a country with which we share such strong ties, and I look forward to strengthening these ties during my time here.
Q: Speaking of bilateral relations, how did the sudden visit of the British Prime Minister last Tuesday come about?
A: The visit was a follow-up to the invitation President Christodoulides extended to the British Prime Minister during their meeting in London last October.
Q: What was the main reason for the visit?
A: The British Prime Minister wanted to respond to the invitation promptly and saw an opportunity to strengthen the positive momentum between the two countries. It was a very productive meeting with positive outcomes. The Prime Minister recognizes Cyprus' strategic importance in the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean and shared his insights with President Christodoulides on regional prospects for international relations.
Their discussion also covered the situation in the region, including Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the UK’s active role as a guarantor power in supporting the Cyprus settlement process.
Another priority for the Prime Minister is revitalizing the UK’s relationship with the EU and Europe more broadly. He has already discussed this with President Christodoulides. In light of Cyprus assuming the EU Presidency in the first half of 2026, they had a constructive exchange on how the UK and Cyprus can collaborate closely within this context.
Q: Do you think Brexit has negatively impacted the UK’s relations with Cyprus and the EU in general?
A: Brexit has certainly affected some practical matters. For instance, it’s now more expensive for Cypriot students to study in the UK. However, I believe the quality of the relationship between the two countries remains strong. In fact, I would say our relationship is particularly good.
Q: In what way?
A: We maintain sincere dialogue at the highest levels, and there’s a strategic cooperation framework in areas that benefit both countries. For example, Cyprus played a key role in assisting with the evacuation of British nationals from Sudan. We also collaborated effectively on the humanitarian corridor initiative for Gaza, which was a significant effort for Cyprus and one we were pleased to support. Another example is our joint work to combat illegal financial activities.
Q: The UK has provided Cyprus with expertise in tackling illicit money flows. Has there been progress?
A: Yes, our cooperation has been very productive, and significant progress has already been made. There’s potential for further collaboration, which we’ll explore when officials and ministers meet in London next week. The UK Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation has been providing expertise to our Cypriot colleagues since 2023
Q: How do you view the strong FBI presence in Cyprus for similar purposes?
A: It’s a development we should welcome. Having spent eight of the last ten years in the US, I can affirm that the UK and the US are close allies. We share similar perspectives and objectives. Therefore, the strengthening relationship between Cyprus and the US is a positive development, and we certainly don’t view it competitively.
Q: Don’t you think that this relationship may affect your relationship with Cyprus?
A: Certainly not. This conversation reminds me of when my daughter was little and came home from school worried because her best friend was spending time with others. I explained to her that friendship isn’t like a cake with limited pieces to share. The same principle applies in diplomacy: strengthening ties with one country doesn’t mean weakening ties with another.
Q: Regarding the Cyprus issue, an enlarged meeting is expected soon. Was there any discussion during the British Prime Minister’s visit about its form or UK involvement?
A: As I understand, the meeting will be a five-party format with the participation of guarantor powers, including the United Kingdom.
Q: At what level will the UK participate?
A: It would be more appropriate for the United Nations to convene the meeting first to define the process and details. However, I believe the UK will be represented at a high level, as we take our role as a guarantor very seriously and aim to contribute constructively to the process.
Q: Your predecessor said the TCs expect incentives to join the dialogue table. Do you agree?
A: The TCs are best positioned to articulate their expectations. What I can say is that the UK fully supports the agreed framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF) with political equality, which we believe offers the most promising path for progress.
Q: Can we realistically hope for a solution within the framework of the TLD given the gap between the positions of the two sides?
A: I often hear people discuss the BBF as though it’s a rigid, well-defined framework. In my view, it’s actually a broad concept that allows for considerable room for discussion, negotiation, and the reconciliation of both sides’ demands and concerns.
Q: But if the two sides meet in the middle, wouldn’t that risk being considered neither a BBF nor a two-state solution?
A: The right approach is for both sides to come to the table, openly express their concerns, and consider each other’s interests, rather than starting with rigid positions they refuse to move from. When I hear the official positions, I agree that the gap seems significant. However, when I listen to their underlying concerns, priorities, and safeguards they seek, it becomes clear that the framework allows room for negotiation and compromise to meet both sides’ needs.
Q: Many say this is the last chance to solve the Cyprus problem. Do you agree?
A: I understand that those more familiar with the Cyprus problem often frame it this way. However, "last chance" is not a concept I would use in diplomacy. I suspect this phrase has been used many times before. That said, time does not favor a resolution, and the situation may become more difficult as time passes. While I wouldn’t call it the last chance, there should be a sense of urgency to prioritize progress.
Q: President Nikos Christodoulides has expressed readiness to apply for NATO membership after resolving the Cyprus problem. Do you see this as realistic?
A: I’ve read the president's statements, and I think he has approached the issue realistically, recognizing both the dynamics and constraints. Strengthening Cyprus' defence relationship with the West, including the UK, is already underway and has regional and wider security benefits.
Q: Is NATO membership necessary for this?
A: Not necessarily, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt. If it becomes a realistic scenario in the future and if Cyprus decides to pursue it, it could be an option.
Q: Is it realistic to discuss NATO membership now?
A: At present, there are constraints. If those change, the picture will also change. Strengthening defence partnerships is realistic and valuable, regardless of NATO membership. The UK is ready to support this effort through an expanded programme of bilateral defence cooperation, within the framework of the MoU we signed on defence cooperation in 2019, which will be discussed during next week’s strategic dialogue.
Q: Many Cypriots are concerned about the high tuition fees at British universities post-Brexit. Is there a plan to reassess this?
A: This issue has been brought to my attention since my arrival in Cyprus and was also discussed between the UK Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus. We are ready to carefully examine the matter and explore possible solutions, though I don’t have a ready answer at this moment. It is an issue we are committed to working on with the Cypriot Government.
