President Nikos Christodoulides in Washington
President Nikos Christodoulides has received an invitation to join Donald Trump’s “Peace Council” meeting in Washington, focusing on Gaza reconstruction. The summit takes place on February 19 at the Donald Trump Peace Institute. Here is the latest information on this diplomatic development.
Invitation Details and Timeline
The formal invitation arrived in Nicosia on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The White House sent the letter directly to President Christodoulides, inviting Cyprus to become one of 25 founding members of the council. The invitation requires a response by Wednesday, February 11.
Focus on Gaza Reconstruction
The summit centres exclusively on the reconstruction of Gaza and the implementation of the second phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This plan builds on last year’s Sharm El-Sheikh summit, which Christodoulides attended. The initiative operates under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
Government sources in Nicosia view the invitation positively because it focuses specifically on Gaza reconstruction rather than broader geopolitical issues. This distinction allowed both Cyprus and Greece to consider attending, unlike Trump’s earlier Davos summit invitation in January.
Cyprus’s Position and Evaluation
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that President Christodoulides is evaluating the invitation based on all available data. Cyprus is coordinating its response with other invited member states and considering the summit’s agenda carefully.
The Republic of Cyprus welcomed Trump’s plan from the outset . As a regional state, Cyprus has already submitted a six-point proposal outlining specific aspects of implementation.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos defended Cyprus’s handling of the invitation, stating that being included demonstrates the country’s elevated international status . He stressed that it is preferable to manage complex diplomatic issues than to face exclusion from such processes.
No Financial Obligations
The government clarified that the invitation carries no financial obligations for Cyprus. Reports suggested countries seeking permanent seats on the council would pay one billion dollars, but Cyprus’s participation as a founding member does not require any payment.
Regional Dynamics
Turkey also received an invitation, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan potentially attending. This development raises diplomatic questions, as Cyprus and Turkey would sit at the same table while Turkey continues to occupy the northern part of Cyprus.
Foreign Minister Kombos addressed this concern, stating that Turkey’s presence does not concern Cyprus. He noted that Turkey has the capability of presence, a capability Cyprus now also has following its invitation.
Other Invited Nations
The invitation list includes a broad range of countries. European nations invited include Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Sweden. Arab and Middle Eastern countries include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and Pakistan.
Other invitees include Switzerland, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, India, Australia, Belarus, and Norway.
EU Coordination
Cyprus is handling discussions about the Peace Council as holder of the EU Council Presidency. Efforts are underway in Brussels to formulate a common EU position. Nicosia has informed Washington of its stance and continues discussions with European partners.
Conclusion
President Christodoulides faces a decision with significant diplomatic implications. The invitation places Cyprus in an exclusive group of nations, recognizing its regional importance. The government continues its evaluation in coordination with European partners, with a response expected by the February 11 deadline.
