Nikos Christodoulides

Nikos Christodoulides was born in Geroskipou on 6 December 1973,{{Cite web |title=Christodoulides Nikos – Thessaloniki Summit |url=https://www.thessalonikisummit.gr/speaker/christodoulides-nikos/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.thessalonikisummit.gr |language=en-US}} the son of a mother from Geroskipou and a father from Choulou. He graduated from the Lyceum A' of Ethnarch Makarios III, Paphos in 1991,{{cite news |date=13 February 2023 |title=Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης, ο θιασώτης του ορθολογισμού |trans-title=Nikos Christodoulides, the proponent of rationalism. |url=https://www.philenews.com/eidiseis/article/1256687/nikos-christodoulidis-o-thiasotis-tou-orthologismou/ |accessdate=17 November 2023 |website=philenews.com |publisher=ΦΙΛΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΑ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΛΙΜΙΤΕΔ |language=el}} and completed his compulsory two-year military service in the Cypriot National Guard in 1993. He graduated from Queens College in New York City in 1997, having majored in political science, economics, and Byzantine and Modern Greek studies. He then pursued postgraduate studies in political science at New York University and diplomatic studies at the University of Malta's Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies.{{cite web |title=Director, Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic of Cyprus |url=https://www.concordia.net/community/nikos-christodoulides/ |access-date=7 October 2018 |website=concordia.net}} He earned a PhD in political science and public administration from the University of Athens in 2003.{{cite web |title=Minister, Curriculum Vitae |url=http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/All/277ED5DD99EFEB25C2257F9C00209CFF?OpenDocument |access-date=7 October 2018 |publisher=Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus}}

Christodoulides lectured and worked as a non-tenure track research associate at the University of Cyprus' History and Archeology Department, teaching the history of the post-war world.

Christodoulides entered diplomatic service in 1999. He held various posts, including Director of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spokesman of the Cyprus Presidency to the Council of the European Union in Brussels, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus to Greece, Director of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Consul-General of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom. Between 2013 and 2018, he served as Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President of Cyprus.

Christodoulides was appointed Government Spokesman on 14 April 2014, and stepped down upon the conclusion of Nicos Anastasiades' first term on 28 February 2018.

File:Reuven Rivlin at a meeting with Nikos Christodoulides, March 2018 (5835).jpg in March 2018]]

File:Secretary Pompeo Greets Cypriot Foreign Minister Christodoulides (45757277611).jpg in November 2018]]

On 1 March 2018, after Anastasiades' re-election, Christodoulides was appointed to Anastasiades' cabinet as Minister of Foreign Affairs.{{cite news |date=13 February 2018 |title=New cabinet announced |work=Cyprus Mail |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/02/13/new-cabinet-announced/ |access-date=7 October 2018}} On 6 March 2018, he stated that Nicosia would not be swayed by Turkey's incursions into the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus. During a meeting on Greek-Cypriot cooperation with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, he said that the reunification of Cyprus was their primary goal.{{cite news |date=6 March 2018 |title=Provocations in EEZ dominate Christodoulides' contacts in Athens |publisher=Cyprus Mail |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/03/06/provocations-eez-dominate-christodoulides-contacts-athens/ |access-date=7 October 2018}}

In May 2018, Christodoulides officially asked the United Nations to prepare for a speedy resumption of the reunification process. After meeting Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on 7 May 2018, he praised United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for despatching a UN Special Representative to sound out the atmosphere for resuming talks.{{cite news |date=7 May 2018 |title=Zypern bittet UN um sofortige Hilfe bei Wiedervereinigungsbemühungen |language=de |trans-title=Cyprus asks UN for immediate help in re-union endeavor |publisher=Handelsblatt |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/geteilte-insel-zypern-bittet-un-um-sofortige-hilfe-bei-wiedervereinigungsbemuehungen/21253990.html |access-date=7 October 2018}}

In June 2018, Christodoulides visited Israel and met with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president Reuven Rivlin. They discussed regional developments and the strengthening of bilateral ties in energy and emergency situations. They also discussed Turkish incursions and strategic cooperation on the planned EastMed pipeline.{{cite news|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/03/22/netanyahu-christodoulides-discuss-regional-developments/|title=Netanyahu and Christodoulides discuss regional developments|work=Cyprus Mail|date=22 March 2018|access-date=7 October 2018}} In June 2018, Christodoulides welcomed an announcement by ExxonMobil executives to speed up their schedule to begin drilling operations in Block 10 of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Operations were planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018 but did not begin until 2021.{{cite news|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/06/10/christodoulides-welcomes-exxons-intention-to-speed-up-drilling-plans/|title=Christodoulides welcomes Exxon's intention to speed up drilling plans|publisher=Cyprus Mail|date=10 June 2018|access-date=7 October 2018}}

On 17 July 2018, Christodoulides met EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in Brussels. They discussed the potential role of the EU in resuming stalled peace talks with Turkey. During his visit, he stated that Cyprus does "not have the luxury of a new talks' failure" and that "Turkey has to comply with European standards and international law".{{cite news|url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2018/07/17/christodoulides-and-mogherini-discuss-eu-role-in-efforts-to-resume-cyprus-talks/|title=Christodoulides and Mogherini discuss EU role in efforts to resume Cyprus talks|publisher=Cyprus Mail|date=17 July 2018|access-date=7 October 2018}}

On 15 July 2020, Christodoulides commented on the 2020 Armenian–Azerbaijani clashes, condemning the "ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan" and calling for "restraint of the parties to de-escalate the tension in the region".{{cite web|last=Christodoulides|first=Nikos|author-link=Nikos Christodoulides |date=15 July 2020 |title=Statement of the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs |url=https://www.pio.gov.cy/en/press-releases-article.html?id=14759#flat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715123322/https://www.pio.gov.cy/en/press-releases-article.html?id=14759 |archive-date=15 July 2020 |website=www.pio.gov.cy |publisher=The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus}}

Christodoulides was made a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre in 2018 and was awarded the Order of the Serbian Flag on 5 April 2021 by president Aleksandar Vučić.{{cite web |date=5 April 2021 |title=Vučić uručio orden šefu kiparske diplomatije Hristodulidisu |trans-title=Vučić presented an award to the head of Cypriot diplomacy, Hristodulidis. |url=https://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/9/politika/4321767/vucic-orden-kipar-nikos-hristodulidis.html |website=rts.rs |publisher=RTS |language=Serbian}}

File:Isaac Herzog in Beit HaNassi, May 2023 (HZ0 8017).jpg in May 2023]]

After months of speculation on whether he would run for president in the 2023 election, Christodoulides expressed his interest at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 January.{{cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=Κύπρος – Παραιτήθηκε ο Νίκος Χριστοδουλίδης από υπουργός Εξωτερικών |trans-title=Cyprus – Nikos Christodoulides resigned as Foreign Minister. |url=https://www.ot.gr/2022/01/09/epikairothta/kypros-paraitithike-o-nikos-xristodoulidis-apo-ypourgos-eksoterikon/}} The next day, he resigned as Minister and was replaced by Ioannis Kasoulides soon after.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-12 |title=Αρχική - Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών - Gov.cy |trans-title=Home - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Gov.cy |url=https://www.gov.cy/mfa/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.gov.cy |language=el}}

In June 2022, Christodoulides formally announced his candidacy as an independent candidate despite being a member of the Democratic Rally, which fielded Averof Neofytou as its presidential nominee. On 5 January 2023, following the official filing of his candidacy, he was formally ejected from the party.{{cite web |date=5 January 2023 |title=Christodoulides struck from DISY party register |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/01/05/christodoulides-struck-from-disy-party-register/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=cyprus-mail.com}} He gathered support from smaller parties, including the Democratic Party, the Movement for Social Democracy, and the Democratic Alignment, while also managing to sway a large portion of his former party's supporters.{{cite web |last=Mavroudis |first=Christodoulos |title=New poll shows Christodoulides ahead in presidential race |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2022/07/06/new-poll-shows-christodoulides-ahead-in-presidential-race/ |website=Cyprus Mail |date=6 July 2022 |access-date=19 February 2023}}

Christodoulides won the first round of the election with 32.04% of the vote, and was thereafter backed by incumbent president Anastasiades.{{cite web |date=12 February 2023 |title=Ex-minister Christoulides wins Cyprus presidential election |url=https://apnews.com/article/cyprus-government-united-states-8f85f71fe4584c1a1638fb4240dd673a |access-date=12 February 2023 |publisher=AP News}} After winning the second round with 51.92% of the vote (against the 48.08% of fellow independent candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis, who was backed by the Progressive Party of Working People) Christodoulides was declared the winner and became president-elect.{{cite news |last=Kambas |first=Michele |date=12 February 2023 |title=Former Cyprus foreign minister wins presidential election |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/cypriot-diplomats-face-off-cliffhanger-presidential-vote-2023-02-12/ |access-date=12 February 2023}}

{{Further|Christodoulides government}}

Christodoulides was inaugurated as president on 28 February 2023. He declared that his primary focus was finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.{{cite news |date=28 February 2023 |title='Cyprus problem' top priority for island's new president |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nikos-christodoulides-new-cyprus-president-sworn-2023-02-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228110212/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nikos-christodoulides-new-cyprus-president-sworn-2023-02-28/ |archive-date=28 February 2023 |access-date=28 February 2023 |work=Reuters |location=Nicosia}} In order to restart the negotiations between the two sides, he requested the appointment of a UN special envoy. His proposal was accepted by António Guterres, who appointed Colombian diplomat María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar with the aim of facilitating the diplomatic process. Cuéllar arrived in Cyprus in January 2024, having already met with Colin Stewart (Cyprus' permanent UN representative in New York) and is planning visits to the guarantor power countries Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-13 |title=UN envoy has already begun Cyprus contacts |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/01/13/un-envoy-has-already-begun-cyprus-contacts/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |title=UN's new special envoy heads to Cyprus in early February |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/un-s-new-special-envoy-heads-to-cyprus-in-early-february |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=Kathimerini}}

{{See also|Gaza floating pier}}

File:President Christodoulides- “no border changes will stem from violence and war” - 52978444055.jpg in June 2023]]

At a European Council summit on 26 October 2023{{cite news |url=https://www.cbn.com.cy/article/2023/10/27/739604/cyprus-proposes-maritime-humanitarian-corridor-for-gaza/ |title=Cyprus proposes maritime humanitarian corridor for Gaza |agency=CNA |website=Cyprus Business News |date=27 October 2023 |access-date=3 April 2024}} and at the 2023 Paris Peace Forum, organized by French president Emmanuel Macron, Christodoulides presented his initiative to open a maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza, intending to deliver aid to Gaza during the Gaza war. Due to the small distance between Cyprus and the conflict zone, Christodoulides suggested utilizing Larnaca's port for shipping significant amounts of humanitarian relief to Gaza by sea. The aid would be collected, inspected, and stored in Cyprus; after daily checks by a joint committee, including Israel, the aid would be sent to Gaza. The vessels would be accompanied by warships and would arrive at a designated neutral area on the coast of Gaza.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=EU throws weight behind Cypriot plan to ship aid to Gaza |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/cyprus-humanitarian-aid-gaza-european-union-israel-hamas-shipments/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=November 9, 2023 |title=Cyprus outlines plan for maritime corridor to get aid to Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/cyprus-outlines-plan-maritime-corridor-get-aid-gaza-2023-11-09/}}

File:Amalthea Initiative.jpg in April 2024]]

Christodoulides visited Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Abdullah of Jordan to inform them about his proposed humanitarian corridor, while also discussing it with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the phone.{{Cite news |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Cyprus pushes Gaza corridor idea; leader to visit Egypt, Jordan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/cyprus-pushes-gaza-corridor-idea-leader-visit-egypt-jordan-2023-12-04/}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-13 |title=Cyprus, France launch diplomatic marathon for Gaza humanitarian corridor initiative |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-france-launch-diplomatic-marathon-for-gaza-humanitarian-corridor-initiative/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}} The initiative received positive recognition from the international community and gained approval from the Israeli government.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Cyprus' aid corridor to Gaza opens (updated) |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/12/18/cyprus-aid-corridor-to-gaza-opens/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB}} The first step was completed on 1 January 2024, when Cyprus and the United Kingdom collaborated to successfully send 87 tonnes of aid to Gaza through Port Said in Egypt. The aid was then transferred through the Rafah border without security checks in Israel.{{Cite news |last=Kambas |first=Michele |date=2024-01-02 |title=Screened in Cyprus, British and Cypriot aid heads to Gaza via Egypt |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/screened-cyprus-british-cypriot-aid-heads-gaza-via-egypt-2024-01-02/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |work=Reuters |language=en}}

File:Nikos Christodoulides, EPP Summit, 17 June, Brussels (4).jpg in June 2024]]

On 4 March 2024, Ursula von der Leyen declared the European Commission's support for Cyprus' humanitarian corridor initiative,{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Επικοινωνία ΠτΔ με Φον ντερ Λάιεν – Στο επίκεντρο ανθρωπιστικός διάδρομος και μεταναστευτικό |trans-title=President of the Republic's communication with von der Leyen – Focus on humanitarian corridor and migration. |url=https://cyprustimes.com/politiki/epikoinonia-ptd-me-fon-nter-laien-sto-epikentro-anthropistikos-diadromos-kai-metanasteftiko/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=cyprustimes.com |language=el}}{{Cite web |last=Αγκαστινιώτης |first=Γιώργος |date=2024-03-04 |title=Ούρσουλα φον ντερ Λάιεν: Η Κομισιόν θα στηρίξει εφαρμογή θαλάσσιου διαδρόμου για Γάζα |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1445304/oursoula-fon-nter-laien-i-komision-tha-stirixi-efarmogi-thalassiou-diadromou-gia-gaza/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Philenews |language=el}} scheduling a visit to Cyprus on 8 March to assess the infrastructure.{{Cite news |last=Hummel |first=Tassilo |date=March 6, 2024 |title=EU working on creating maritime humanitarian corridor to support people in Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/eu-working-creating-maritime-humanitarian-corridor-support-people-gaza-2024-03-06/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-06 |title=Von der Leyen visiting Cyprus to discuss sea corridor (Update 2)= |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/03/06/von-der-leyen-expected-in-cyprus-to-discuss-sea-corridor/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB}} The initiative also gained support by the United States, with president Joe Biden announcing on 8 March that the United States Armed Forces will establish a temporary port in Gaza to enhance sea-based humanitarian aid delivery. The port will handle large vessels carrying food, medicine, and water, with initial shipments arriving via Cyprus. The United States will collaborate on security and coordinate with UN agencies and humanitarian operations on the ground.{{Cite web |title=Προχωρούν με λιμάνι οι ΗΠΑ στη Γάζα για υλοποίηση του θαλάσσιου διαδρόμου από την Κύπρο |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2024/3/7/763048/prokhoroun-me-limani-oi-epa-ste-gaza-gia-ulopoiese-tou-thalassiou-diadromou-apo-ten-kupro/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Προχωρούν με λιμάνι οι ΗΠΑ στη Γάζα για υλοποίηση του θαλάσσιου διαδρόμου από την Κύπρο |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ο Μπάιντεν ανακοινώνει κατασκευή λιμανιού στη Γάζα για τον ανθρωπιστικό διάδρομο |url=https://www.alphanews.live/international/o-mpainten-anakoinonei-kataskeyi-limanioy-sti-gaza-gia-ton-anthropistiko-diadromo |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=AlphaNews |language=el}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Explainer: Will Biden's temporary port plan stop famine in Gaza? |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/international/explainer-will-bidens-temporary-port-plan-stop-famine-in-gaza/ |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}} The corridor is backed by aid from the United Arab Emirates.{{Cite web |title=Ενεργοποιείται ο ανθρωπιστικός διάδρομος-Ανάβει πράσινο το Ισραήλ, έρχεται στην Κύπρο η Φον ντερ Λάιεν |trans-title=A humanitarian corridor is activated - Israel gives the green light, von der Leyen is coming to Cyprus. |url=https://reporter.com.cy/article/2024/3/6/762630/energopoieitai-o-anthropistikos-diadromos-anabei-prasino-to-israel-erkhetai-sten-kupro-e-phon-nter-laien/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Ενεργοποιείται ο ανθρωπιστικός διάδρομος-Ανάβει πράσινο το Ισραήλ, έρχεται στην Κύπρο η Φον ντερ Λάιεν |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-07 |title=EC President to inspect Gaza aid corridor infrastructure in Cyprus |url=https://www.stockwatch.com.cy/en/article/diethni/ec-president-inspect-gaza-aid-corridor-infrastructure-cyprus |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Stockwatch |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-07 |title=EC President travelling to Cyprus to discuss Gaza aid corridor |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/ec-president-travelling-to-cyprus-to-discuss-gaza-aid-corridor/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Philenews|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Cyprus opens sea corridor to Gaza with EU and US support |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/cyprus-opens-sea-corridor-to-gaza-with-eu-and-us-support |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Knews}}

On 12 March 2024, the Spanish NGO's salvage vessel Open Arms departed from the port of Larnaca to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.{{Cite web |title=Cyprus-Gaza aid corridor: Some relief, but no end to crisis – DW – 03/13/2024 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cyprus-gaza-aid-corridor-some-relief-but-no-end-to-crisis/a-68506839 |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=dw.com |language=en}} The ship towed a barge loaded with supplies provided by the American charity World Central Kitchen and funded by the United Arab Emirates. The aid included 200 tonnes of food staples such as rice, flour, and cans of tuna. The ship reached an undisclosed location off the coast of Gaza, navigating a newly opened shipping route.{{Cite web |title=Aid ship testing sea corridor from Cyprus to Gaza sets sail |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/12/first-aid-ship-to-gaza-leaves-cyprus-port |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Kourtoglou |first=Yiannis |date=March 9, 2024 |title=Charity loads food aid on to barge in Cyprus headed for Gaza |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/aid-ship-gaza-expected-depart-cyprus-this-weekend-2024-03-09/ |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=2024-03-09 |title=Gaza aid ship expected to set sail from Cyprus |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68518918 |access-date=2024-03-09 |language=en-GB}} The mission faced several technical challenges, including capacity and weather concerns. Construction of a makeshift jetty in Gaza facilitated unloading, overcoming Israel's restrictions on contact with Gaza's population.{{Cite web |author1=Lola Hierro |author2=Luis de Vega |date=2024-03-13 |title=Operation Safeena: The thousand and one obstacles to bringing aid to Gaza by sea |url=https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-03-13/operation-safeena-the-thousand-and-one-obstacles-to-bringing-aid-to-gaza-by-sea.html |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=EL PAÍS English |language=en-us}}

On 21 March 2024, technocrats from 36 countries convened at the Zenon Coordination Center in Larnaca to discuss bolstering the plan, coinciding with the imminent departure of a second ship from Larnaca to transport 500 tons of aid to Gaza. Efforts are underway to secure funding for the long-term operation of the Amalthea Plan, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announcing a €10 million contribution and the EU pledging €70 million in funding.{{Cite web |title="Γιγαντώνεται" η Αμάλθεια, στο επίκεντρο ευρωπαϊκού ενδιαφέροντος η Κύπρος |trans-title=Amalthea "grows bigger," Cyprus at the center of European interest. |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/gigantonetai-i-amaltheia-sto-epikentro-eyropaikoy-endiaferontos-i-kypros |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=AlphaNews |language=el}}{{Cite web |title=Στο λιμάνι Λάρνακας το δεύτερο πλοίο για ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια στη Γάζα (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ) |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/sto-limani-larnakas-deytero-ploio-gia-anthropistiki-boitheia-sti-gaza-binteo |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=AlphaNews |language=el}}

On 20 December 2023, Labor Minister Yiannis Panayiotou announced a minimum wage increase from €940 to €1,000 per month. Employers initially opposed the raise and then proposed an increase to €970, while unions sought €1,020. The government's decision to increase the minimum wage to €1,000 was met with varying reactions from stakeholders.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Minimum wage increased to €1,000 a month (Updated) |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/12/20/minimum-wage-increased-to-e1000-a-month/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Minimum wage hiked to €1,000 |url=https://www.financialmirror.com/2023/12/20/minimum-wage-hiked-to-e1000/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Financial Mirror |language=en-GB}}

In June 2024, the credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P upgraded Cyprus' long-term rating from "BBB" to "BBB+".{{Cite news |title=Fitch: Aναβάθμιση της κυπριακής οικονομίας σε «BBB+» |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/oikonomiki/oikonomia/fitch-anabathmisi-tis-kypriakis-oikonomias-se-bbb |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Kathimerini |language=el}} The budget surplus of 3.1% is among the highest in the EU and the national debt is expected to fall to 65.1% of GDP by 2025, down from 115% in 2020, reflecting one of the highest debt reduction rates in the EU.{{Cite web |title=Fitch: Ούριος άνεμος για την κυπριακή οικονομία - Αναβάθμιση σε BBB+ |url=https://economytoday.sigmalive.com/oikonomia/kypros/82184_fitch-oyrios-anemos-gia-tin-kypriaki-oikonomia-anavathmisi-se-bbb |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Economy Today |language=en}} The agencies also predict strong annual growth of around 3% for the period from 2024 to 2027, despite challenges posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Gaza war.{{Cite web |title=Οι S&P's αναβάθμισαν την κυπριακή οικονομία από ΒΒΒ σε ΒΒΒ+ |url=https://www.alphanews.live/economy/oi-sps-anabathmisan-tin-kypriaki-oikonomia-apo-bbb-se-bbb |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=AlphaNews |language=el}}

In November 2024, the credit rating agency Moody's upgraded Cyprus's credit rating by two notches, from Baa2 to A3, citing the country's sustained fiscal improvements, significant debt reduction, and stable economic growth.{{Cite web |title=Cyprus receives major credit rating boost from Moody’s |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/business/cyprus-receives-major-credit-rating-boost-from-moody-s |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Kathimerini}}{{Cite news |date=November 23, 2024 |title=Cyprus says Moody's A3 upgrade vote of confidence in economy |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/cyprus-says-moodys-a3-upgrade-vote-confidence-economy-2024-11-23/}}

Upon taking office in early 2023, Christodoulides faced a significant migrant crisis that was further exacerbated by the outbreak of the Gaza war later that year. He declared that Cyprus was in "a state of serious crisis" and called for EU intervention to manage the flow of irregular migrants from nearby Lebanon.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=Cyprus declares migration crisis, calls for EU to help |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/cyprus-declares-migration-crisis-calls-eu-to-intervene/ |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Cyprus President urges EU action amid migration crisis |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/cyprus-president-urges-eu-action-amid-migration-crisis |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Kathimerini}} In June 2024, he established the Deputy Ministry of Immigration with Nikolas Ioannides as its first Deputy Minister.{{Cite web |title=Επίσημα στο Υφυπουργείο Μετανάστευσης όλες οι σχετικές αρμοδιότητες |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/episima-sto-yfypoyrgeio-metanasteysis-oles-oi-shetikes-armodiotites |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=AlphaNews |language=el}}{{Cite web |title=Από σήμερα και επίσημα η Κύπρος έχει Υφυπουργό Μετανάστευσης |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/apo-simera-kai-episima-i-kypros-ehei-yfypoyrgo-metanasteysis |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Offsite |language=en}} During Christodoulides' first year in office, Cyprus saw a substantial increase in the deportation of illegal migrants and a 50% decrease in new arrivals, earning praise from European officials.{{Cite web |title=Cyprus cuts migrant arrivals by 50%, earns European praise |url=https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/cyprus-cuts-migrant-arrivals-by-50-earns-european-praise |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Kathimerini}}{{Cite news |date=10 May 2024 |title=Cyprus third in EU deportations of third-country nationals in 2023 |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-third-in-eu-deportations-of-third-country-nationals-in-2023/}} According to the Interior Ministry, new arrivals had dropped to 220 by May 2024, down from 21,565 in May 2022; the number of individuals at the Pournara Emergency Reception Centre decreased to 254 by May 2024, down from 3,145 in April 2022.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C8MP5uKtICp/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Instagram}}

In October 2023, Christodoulides' government unveiled its ambitious plans for digital transformation, securing €282 million in EU funding for the realisation of the "Strategic Plan 2024{{endash}}2026". This comprehensive plan encompasses diverse initiatives, including the integration of artificial intelligence, the promotion of ultra-high-speed network connectivity, the intensification of digital skills through education, support for research and innovation, encouragement of start-up entrepreneurship, and the reinforcement of defense mechanisms against cyber threats. The Deputy Ministry of Innovation plays a pivotal role in implementing these initiatives, focusing on three key pillars: the digital transformation of Cyprus, the development of a sustainable innovative economy, and the protection of the country's infrastructure. The transformation aims to enhance efficiency in services, automate processes, increase governance transparency, and stimulate innovation, ultimately fostering economic development and job creation.{{Cite web |last=Ψύλλου |first=Δέσποινα |date=2023-10-29 |title=Xρηματοδότηση μαμούθ €282 εκατ. για την ψηφιακή Κύπρο |url=https://www.philenews.com/kipros/koinonia/article/1401265/xrimatodotisi-mamouth-e282-ekat-gia-tin-psifiaki-kipro/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Philenews |language=el}} In his role as Christodoulides' Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Philippos Hadjizacharias highlighted the government's goal of turning Cyprus into a leading technology hub.{{Cite web |title=Υφ. Έρευνας: Προσπάθεια να μετατραπεί η Κύπρος σε κόμβο τεχνολογίας |url=https://www.kathimerini.com.cy/gr/geek/geek-nea/yf-ereynas-prospatheia-na-metatrapei-i-kypros-se-kombo-texnologias |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Kathimerini |language=el}}

File:Nikos Christodoulides President of Cyprus meets President Joe Biden at a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the White House Oval Office.jpg in the Oval Office on 30 October 2024]]

Cyprus and the United States have initiated a strategic dialogue during Christodoulides' presidency, significantly deepening the two countries' relations in areas such as security, energy, and investment.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-05 |title=U.S.-Cyprus relationship significantly upgraded, says President |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/u-s-cyprus-relationship-significantly-upgraded-says-president/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}} The dialogue placed Cyprus among a select group of nations engaged in high-level talks with the U.S. twice a year, and advanced Cyprus' goal of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=US-Cyprus relations stronger than ever |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/06/17/blinken-announces-strengthened-us-cyprus-relations |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=ΗΠΑ - Κύπρος: Ανακοινώθηκε Στρατηγικός Διάλογος {{!}} Offsite |trans-title=USA - Cyprus: Strategic Dialogue Announced {{!}} Offsite |url=https://www.offsite.com.cy/eidiseis/politiki/ipa-kypros-anakoinothike-stratigikos-dialogos |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.offsite.com.cy |language=en}} Christodoulides accepted U.S. President Joe Biden's invitation to visit the White House on 30 October 2024, marking the first time a Cypriot president visited the White House since Glafcos Clerides was received by Bill Clinton in June 1996.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Our View: Biden meeting underlines Christodoulides’ biggest achievement |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/10/30/our-view-biden-meeting-underlines-christodoulides-biggest-achievement |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Biden expresses optimism for Cyprus solution during Christodoulides’ White House visit |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1252178/biden-expresses-optimism-for-a-solution-on-the-cyprus-issue-during-christodoulides-white-house-visit/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}} The two held official discussions on topics including bilateral relations, energy diversification, and regional and international stability.{{Cite web |last=Kyriakou |first=Ioanna |date=2024-10-30 |title=Μπάιντεν σε Χριστοδουλίδη: Ήταν χαρά μου να σας καλωσορίσω στον Λευκό Οίκο |trans-title=Biden to Christodoulides: It was a pleasure to welcome you to the White House. |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1523644/bainten-se-christodoulidi-itan-chara-mou-na-sas-kalosoriso-ston-lefko-iko/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=Philenews |language=el}}{{Cite web |last=Sifakis |first=Michalis |date=2025-05-23 |title=7BALL |url=https://7ball.us.com/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=7ball.us.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-06-05 |title=US sends message on Cyprus problem ahead of White House talks |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/us-sends-message-on-cyprus-problem-ahead-of-white-house-talks/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}} Biden also expressed optimism for the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title=Biden: I remain optimistic about the possibility of Cyprus solution |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/10/30/biden-i-remain-optimistic-about-the-possibility-of-cyprus-solution |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=cyprus-mail.com |language=en}} On January 15, 2024, President Biden signed a Presidential Decision that integrates Cyprus into three critical US defense programs: the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, and Title 10 programs for training and equipping foreign security forces.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-15 |title=Ιστορική συμφωνία μεταξύ Κύπρου και ΗΠΑ με υπογραφή τριών αμυντικών προγραμμάτων – Τι προβλέπει το νέο πλαίσιο συνεργασίας |trans-title=Historical agreement between Cyprus and the USA with the signing of three defense programs – What the new cooperation framework provides. |url=https://omegalive.com.cy/politikh/istoriki-sumphonia-metaxu-kuprou-kai-epa-me-upographi-trion-amuntikon-programmaton-ti-problepei-to-neo-plaisio-sunergasias/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=OmegaLive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Πιμπίσιης |first=Ανδρέας |date=2025-01-16 |title=Τι κερδίζει η Κύπρος από το διάταγμα Μπάιντεν για πρόσβαση σε αμυντικό υλικό |trans-title=What Cyprus gains from Biden's executive order on access to defense material. |url=https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1547219/ti-kerdizi-i-kipros-apo-to-diatagma-bainten-gia-prosvasi-se-amintiko-iliko/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=Philenews |language=el}}

In January 2024, Christodoulides came under scrutiny by the public and media in both Cyprus and Greece for removing his Minister of Defense Michalis Giorgallas, reportedly after pressure from the Greek government, who disagreed with Giorgallas' stance on a joint defense doctrine.{{Cite web |last=Καφετζή |first=Αλεξία |date=2024-01-13 |title=Η Αθήνα "έφαγε" τον Γιωργάλλα (ΕΙΚΟΝΑ) – 24h.com.cy |url=https://24h.com.cy/i-athina-efage-ton-giorgalla-eikona/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=Καρατόμηση του Κύπριου Υπουργού Άμυνας κατόπιν αιτήσεως των Αθηνών! |trans-title=Removal of the Cypriot Minister of Defense at the request of Athens! |url=https://www.newsbreak.gr/parapolitika/551547/karatomisi-toy-kyprioy-ypoyrgoy-amynas-katopin-aitiseos-ton-athinon/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |language=el}}{{Cite web |date=12 January 2024 |title=ΕΣΤΙΑ: Η Αθήνα "αποκεφάλισε" τον Γιωργάλλα–Επέμενε για Ενιαίο Αμυντικό Δόγμα |url=https://www.sigmalive.com/news/politics/1181309/estia-i-athina-apokefalise-ton-giorgallaepemene-gia-eniaio-amyntiko-dogma |website=Sigmalive}}

Christodoulides has four children with his wife, Philippa Karsera, a diplomat from Dora. They met in 1999 as newly appointed diplomatic attachés in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She served at the Cypriot High Commission to the United Kingdom in London and then at the Cypriot Embassy in Athens and the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union in Brussels. She was then promoted to Deputy Director of the President's Diplomatic Office at Cyprus' Presidential Palace. In February 2022, she began leading the crisis management directorate in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.{{Cite web |title=Philippa Karsera: The career diplomat, she now holds the title of Minister Plenipotentiary, who will also be Cyprus' new First Lady from March 1 2023. (PHOTO) |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/news/local/philippa-karsera-the-career-diplomat-who-is-cyprus-new-first-lady-photo/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}}

In February 2025, Christoudoulides' life was threatened with a list of demands being sent to him stating if he did not comply, he and his family would be in immediate danger.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-03 |title=Police swoops on prison cell after President Christodoulides gets threats |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-president-christodoulides-prison-security-threat-investigation/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}} As a result of the threat, the Presidential Guard increased the protection of the President and Cyprus Police and the Cyprus Intelligence Service began investigating the source of the threat and began an international investigation into the threats.{{Cite web |last=Παναγιώτου |first=Μιχάλης |date=2025-02-02 |title=Απειλές κατά Χριστοδουλίδη: Στις έρευνες και μυστικές υπηρεσίες ξένων χωρών (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ) |trans-title=Threats against Christodoulides: Foreign intelligence services also involved in the investigations (VIDEO) |url=https://www.alphanews.live/politics/apeiles-kata-christodoulidi-stis-erevnes-kai-mystikes-ypiresies-xenon-choron-vinteo/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=AlphaNews}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-03 |title=Life threats against President sent through social media, as protection measures raised |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/life-threats-against-president-sent-through-social-media-as-protection-measures-raised/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=in-cyprus.philenews.com |language=en-US}}

Christodoulides has contributed to domestic and international academic journals and is the author of two books: Plans for Solution of the Cyprus Problem 1948–1978 (2009){{cite book|script-title=el:Τα σχέδια λύσης του κυπριακού, 1948–1978|trans-title=Plans for Solution of the Cyprus Problem 1948–1978|language=el|last=Christodoulides|first=Nikos|location=Athens|publisher=Ekdoseis Kastaniōtē|year=2009|isbn=9789600349948}} and Relations between Athens and Nicosia and the Cyprus Problem 1977–1988 (2013).{{cite book|script-title=el:Οι σχέσεις Αθηνών-Λευκωσίας και το Κυπριακό, 1977-1988|trans-title=Relations Between Athens and Nicosia and the Cyprus Problem, 1977–1988|language=el|last=Christodoulides|first=Nikos|location=Athens|publisher=I. Siderēs|year=2013|isbn=9789600806007}}

• {{flag|Cyprus}}: Grand Master and Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III (28 February 2023)
• {{flag|Cyprus}}: Grand Master of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Cyprus (28 February 2023)

• {{flag|Germany}}: Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (12 February 2024){{cite web | url=https://www.pio.gov.cy/en/gallery.html?galAlbum=5637#gallery-20/ | title=Photo Gallery - Pio }}
• Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Orthodox Crusaders of the Holy Sepulchre (22 March 2018){{cite web | url=https://www.pio.gov.cy/en/press-releases-article.html?id=882#flat | title=Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the State of Israel }}
• {{flag|Greece}}: Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer (13 March 2023){{Cite web |date=2023-03-13 |title=Παρασημοφόρησε τον ΠτΔ η Σακελαροπούλου (εικόνες & βίντεο) |trans-title=Sakellaropoulou decorated the President of the Republic (images & video). |url=https://www.philenews.com/eidiseis/politiki/article/1676264/parasimoforise-ton-ptd-i-sakelaropoyloy-eikones-binteo |website=Philenews |publisher=}}
• {{flag|Italy}}: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (26 February 2024){{cite web | url=https://www.pio.gov.cy/en/gallery.html?galAlbum=5674#gallery-28/ | title=Photo Gallery - Pio }}
• {{flag|Netherlands}}: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion (4 March 2025)
• {{flag|Poland}}: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (4 October 2021){{Cite web |title=INFOR.PL – portal nowoczesnych księgowych, przedsiębiorców, kadrowych – podatki, rachunkowość, kadry, prawo pracy, sektor publiczny - kalkulatory, wskaźniki, ujednolicone akty prawne, quizy |url=https://www.infor.pl/akt-prawny/MPO.2022.027.0000097,postanowienie-prezydenta-rzeczypospolitej-polskiej-o-nadaniu-orderow.html |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=www.infor.pl |language=pl}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-12 |title=Cypr ma nowego Prezydenta |url=https://cypr24.eu/cypr-ma-nowego-prezydenta/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Cypr24 |language=pl-PL}}
• {{flag|Serbia}}: Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class (4 May 2021){{Cite web |title=Вучић уручио орден шефу кипарске дипломатије Христодулидису |trans-title=Vučić presented a medal to the head of Cypriot diplomacy, Christodoulides. |url=https://www.politika.rs/scc/clanak/476396/Politika/Vucic-urucio-orden-sefu-kiparske-diplomatije-Hristodulidisu |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Politika Online}}{{Cite web |date=2021-04-04 |title=Cyprus FM to receive Order of the Serbian Flag, First Class, during working visit to Belgrade on Monday |work=Parikiaki |url=https://www.parikiaki.com/2021/04/cyprus-fm-to-receive-order-of-the-serbian-flag-first-class-during-working-visit-to-belgrade-on-monday/ |access-date=2024-07-12 |language=en-US}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Christodoulides, Nikos}}

Category:1973 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Paphos District

Category:Candidates for President of Cyprus

Category:Cypriot diplomats

Category:Ministers of foreign affairs of Cyprus

Category:Greek Cypriot politicians

Category:Greek Cypriots

Category:New York University alumni

Category:Queens College, City University of New York alumni

Category:University of Malta alumni

Category:Academic staff of the University of Cyprus

Category:Presidents of Cyprus

Category:21st-century presidents of Cyprus