Diplomatic efforts and behind-the-scenes contacts have culminated in the first telephone conversation between Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides and US President-elect Donald Trump, with both leaders expressing commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The call marks another milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, building upon progress achieved during the Biden administration, which Nicosia hopes to maintain under Trump’s presidency.
According to government sources, efforts to establish communication between the Cypriot president and the US president-elect began shortly after the American elections, with the Cypriot side maintaining open channels with individuals close to Trump.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement that President Christodoulides congratulated Trump on his election victory and emphasised his intention to work closely on strengthening ties between the two countries.
The conversation highlighted the extensive cooperation between Cyprus and the United States, particularly in defence and security, investments, economy, and humanitarian assistance in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Both leaders expressed their shared intention to expand bilateral cooperation across various sectors within the framework of their Strategic Dialogue, benefiting both countries and the wider region.
Following the call, President Christodoulides attended a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Cyprus (AmCham) in Nicosia, where he highlighted that Cyprus-US relations are at their highest level ever. He attributed this to a clear, targeted foreign policy implemented over the past 19 months.
The Cypriot president also referred to his “historic” meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on 30 October and expressed enthusiasm about building upon these relations with the incoming Trump administration.
Christodoulides emphasised Cyprus’s role as a stable and reliable US partner in the Eastern Mediterranean. He also highlighted recent economic developments, including Moody’s upgrade of Cyprus to A3 investment grade, which he described as a vote of confidence in government policies.
The president outlined his government’s Vision 2035 reform agenda and efforts to enhance transparency and competitiveness. He also discussed increased foreign direct investment from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Israel, and Lebanon.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, Christodoulides noted that an FBI team is currently working with Cypriot authorities on sanction implementation and combating money laundering. He plans to meet with them next week. He also mentioned the anticipated visa waiver programme for Cypriot citizens travelling to the United States, expected to take effect in early 2025.
The Cypriot president concluded by praising US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher for her role in advancing Cyprus-US relations.
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