Press Releases

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States of America, Mr Marios Lyssiotis, presented on September 17 his credentials to the President of the United States of America, Mr Donald J. Trump.

During the ceremony, Mr Lyssiotis conveyed the warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, to the American President.

Referring to the high level of bilateral and multilateral relations and cooperation between Cyprus and the USA, Ambassador Lysiotis made a commitment to work tirelessly in order to further promote and strengthen them. He also noted that the foreign policy of the Republic of Cyprus aims at promoting stability in the region and building bridges of cooperation with neighboring countries, stressing the pivotal role of the USA in this respect. Furthermore, Mr Lyssiotis added that the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus has given Cyprus a new tool of cooperation and synergies with its neighboring countries, highlighting that the support of USA government is essential in order for Cyprus to continue its efforts to discover and explore its natural resources. Ambassador Lyssiotis made reference to the continuing occupation by Turkey of one third of the island and thanked the US Government for its support and assistance in the efforts made under the auspices of the United Nations for the reunification of Cyprus, on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. He expressed hope for the resumption of negotiations and underlined the important contribution of the UN peacekeeping force in promoting stability, as well as in the negotiations.

While accepting the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador, President Trump referred to the 58 years of friendship between USA and Cyprus stressing the shared interest of the two countries in promoting stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, he expressed his hope that the division of Cyprus will end and seized the opportunity to reiterate the USA’s support in the efforts to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation for the benefit of all Cypriots, adding that he is pleased that the two countries stand united in support of these efforts.

Finally, President Trump in his written statement noted that he looks forward to the further strengthening of the USA-Cyprus bilateral relations, which will contribute to reinforcing regional stability thus creating opportunities for further economic development. The American President described Cyprus as a “valuable partner in a vulnerable region”, adding that he believes that closer cooperation between Cyprus and the USA could benefit both nations in political, economic and security affairs.   

MCH/AH/II