Cyprus-US relations reach a historic milestone in 2024

The importance of the establishment of the Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue was highlighted on Tuesday evening by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides and the US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, with President Christodoulides underlining that 2024 marks a historic milestone for the bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and the United States of America and paves the way for more milestones in 2025.

In his address at the reception hosted by the US Ambassador to Cyprus on the occasion of the 248th anniversary of US Independence, held at the old campus of the University of Cyprus, the President of the Republic said that the cooperation between the two countries has never been stronger and the relations between the two countries have never been so true and valuable.

He added that since the independence of Cyprus in 1960, the bilateral relations between Cyprus and USA have witnessed tectonic changes.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic stressed that the US stands by Cyprus in its efforts to reunify the country and end the occupation.

President Christodoulides stated that “the establishment of the Strategic Dialogue is a highly significant development that epitomizes the joint commitment to this partnership, the alignment of the interests of our two countries in securing stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean”, adding that Cyprus and the United States have so much to look forward to through continued cooperation, including in the areas of economy and investment, security and defence, rule of law, innovation, science, technology, research, and expanded cultural and educational exchanges.

Reviewing the recent history of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US, the President referred to the Statement of Intent he signed with the US during his tenure as Foreign Minister in 2018, the Cooperation Agreement on Security and Energy in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2019, the establishment of the CYCLOPS Centre in 2021, as well as the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries in 2024.

He also referred to the cooperation between the two countries in the framework of the Republic of Cyprus' Amalthia initiative to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.

“Cyprus, the European Union’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean, will decisively continue to be part of the solutions to the problems of the region” said the President of Cyprus adding that Cyprus is a force for peace and stability, a humanitarian facilitator, a country that assumes its moral responsibilities and aspires to a brighter future for our region and for all of our neighbors.

The United States Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, said that this past year the Republic of Cyprus has played a critical, stabilizing role in an increasingly turbulent region, noting that Cyprus has positioned itself as part of the solution, stepping up to assist its neighbors and promote regional stability.

She mentioned that “two weeks ago Secretary of State (Antony) Blinken and (Cyprus) Foreign Minister (Constantinos) Kombos launched in Washington a Strategic Dialogue between our countries and we are looking forward to the first meeting being held this fall in Cyprus”.

She explained that “the Strategic Dialogue is a tool for growing our relations across a broad range of interests including trade, science and technology, security, education and people-to-people ties.  It’s yet another reflection that Cyprus is a deeply valued partner for my country”.

Speaking on the Cyprus issue, Fisher stressed that “Cypriots can count on us to remain committed to a just and lasting peace on the island and engaged in bridging the divide between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities”.  She mentioned that the appointment of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy during this 50th year of the island’s division presents a key opportunity. “We support the UN Personal Envoy’s efforts because we believe, and we know, a just and lasting solution, based on the agreed Security Council framework, will benefit all Cypriots”, she stated.

Fisher also said that this past year, the Republic of Cyprus has played a critical, stabilizing role in a turbulent region adding that “Cyprus has provided a crucial platform for political, economic, humanitarian, and military reach at Europe’s intersection with the Middle East”.

Furthermore, she stated that the United States stands as a committed partner as Cyprus looks to grow and expand its economic base, and continues its efforts to strengthen the integrity of its banking system.

The US Ambassador also referred to Cyprus-US relations and said that "I am proud of the work our teams are doing together to make it easier for Cypriots and Americans to travel between our countries, and I am grateful for the progress we have made. In the process of doing so, we are enhancing the security of both of our nations”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.