Press Releases

Honourable Assistant Secretary of State,

Dear Jim, 

A very warm welcome to Cyprus for you and your delegation. 

Four months ago, Secretary Blinken, and I, announced in Washington DC, the launch of the Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue. 

This First Strategic Dialogue between our countries is now materializing; and this is a very important moment in our bilateral relations. 

It is a joint accomplishment; the result of cooperation, interaction, and coordinated action, on the basis of a mutually beneficial agenda. 

For Cyprus, the deepening of our bilateral relations has been a top priority since the beginning of President Christodoulides’ mandate. 

Today, we hold our inaugural consultations to discuss a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, and, of course, a number of very important issues at the bilateral level. 

Those will include a range of areas, such as security and defence; crisis management and law enforcement; energy; education; culture; trade and investment. 

We believe that there are tremendous opportunities to take our bilateral relationship to the next level. It is up to us to turn these opportunities into concrete achievements. 

And there are many reasons why we should be pursuing this. Telegraphically, I will make reference to two issues that form both the springboard and the foundation for furthering the relation. 

First, our joint commitment to the shared values in relation to democracy, rule of law and human rights. 

In times where the norms-based international order is being challenged, as for example in Ukraine, where aggression and revisionism are resurfacing as an option, the unwavering commitment to the core values underpinning the international community are of paramount importance. 

In this context, it is of fundamental importance to us to highlight the continued commitment of the US to a principled position vis-à-vis the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. 

Second, our emerging strategic partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, based on our commitment to peace, security, stability and cooperation, in a region where things are volatile and complex. 

In this context, Cyprus is a point of reference in terms of stability. It is a safe harbour. 

The various initiatives we have recently taken attest to that. I can make reference to the Cyprus Maritime Corridor initiative, the Estia Evacuation Plan, as well as to the numerous initiatives of trilateral cooperation in the Mediterranean and the wider region. 

Today, we will have the opportunity to highlight the growing security cooperation that has taken place since the 2018 Cyprus-US Statement of Intent. We will explore ways to enhance that cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. 

We will emphasize the importance of the CYCLOPS Training Centre in Larnaka, jointly established by Cyprus and the US, and we will agree to continue expanding its facilities and capabilities. 

On defence, we affirm our commitment to strengthening our partnership under the Cyprus-US Roadmap for Bilateral Defence Cooperation. 

The lifting of defence trade restrictions on Cyprus in 2020 was a milestone and we should work towards extending the waiver restriction period. 

On law enforcement, we have seen significant developments in recent months. We reaffirm our commitment to ongoing cooperation, including on the basis of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Cyprus Police and the FBI to combat illicit finance and sanctions evasion, including through training provision and coordination in planning. 

On trade and investment, the Strategic Dialogue offers an opportunity to enhance economic activity by strengthening commercial ties and attracting private investment. This includes the cultivation of the institutional microclimate that will facilitate such investments. 

On education, we look forward to exploring new educational opportunities with the US, including through student mobility and scholarships. 

In this context, we stand ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the Fulbright Student English Assistant Program. 

On people-to-people ties, the main goal is the US Visa Waiver Programme. We are hoping that we will have positive announcements in the next few months. 

Dear Jim, dear colleagues, 

The United States stands as a strategic partner to the Republic of Cyprus – and vice versa. 

This day marks the joint commitment towards a closer and stronger cooperation between our two countries, fostering a more secure, stable and prosperous region. 

Last but not least, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Ambassador Julie Fisher and her team for their tireless efforts and invaluable contribution to the deepening of the Cyprus-US relationship. 

The same goes to my team, our diplomats, as well as all the colleagues from all other Ministries. 

Once again, I welcome you to Cyprus and I wish the most fruitful discussions with tangible deliverables, for today’s Strategic Dialogue. 

Thank you. 

(MP/NZ/AS)