President Christodoulides’s visit to Washington and his meeting with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, primarily confirms the upgraded relationship between the two countries.
It’s particularly significant that these relations are being enhanced during a period of critical and dramatic developments in our region. Clearly, the US recognises the Republic of Cyprus’s stabilising and strategic role in the area.
The practical results of the October 30th talks at the White House will obviously become apparent in due course. It will become clear exactly what led the American side – President Biden and his team – to invite the President of Cyprus to Washington.
The meeting was preceded by steps to strengthen and upgrade relations through strategic dialogue. This concerns both bilateral relations and developments in our region. There were also defence agreements, which will clearly have further developments. Therefore, one could argue that the White House meeting is both a culmination of what came before and, more importantly, a prelude to what will follow.
It’s clear that for the Republic of Cyprus, it’s important to highlight its strategic and stabilising role in the broader region. However, for Nicosia, resolving the Cyprus issue remains the priority. Achieving an agreement on our national issue is paramount for the Cypriot side.
The US can contribute towards this goal. President Christodoulides, after meeting with his American counterpart, referenced what was emphasised by the American side: “Through a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Republic of Cyprus’s role in the region should not only be maintained but further strengthened. Thus, regional developments are influencing or being considered in the US perspective regarding both the need to restart talks and the content of the Cyprus solution”.
The message being sent is clear and obviously concerns both the content of any agreement on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s role afterwards. This is precisely what concerns the Cypriot side.
The visit was significant. The agenda, as evidenced by what was stated publicly, was equally important. We now await the next steps and the implementation of agreed policies.
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