A high-level delegation from the US Department of Homeland Security, led by Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans Rob Law, visited Cyprus on July 13 and 14 for talks on the island’s progress toward the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Embassy in Nicosia said.
The delegation met with Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides, and Foreign Permanent Secretary Theodora Constantinidou to discuss growing security cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on advances in border security and combating illegal migration, according to the Embassy.
The Embassy said bilateral border security cooperation strengthens the national security of both countries, and that the security and integrity of US borders and its immigration system remain the highest priority for President Trump’s administration. The Department of Homeland Security relies on strong relationships with security partners to prevent criminals, terrorists and fraudsters from illegally crossing borders and travelling to the United States, it said.
DHS continues to monitor Cyprus’s efforts as it considers the country’s designation into the Visa Waiver Programme, the Embassy said, adding that it looks forward to continued cooperation with Cyprus toward that goal.
Cyprus has said it has completed the technical requirements for Visa Waiver Programme membership. If admitted, Cypriot citizens would be able to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.
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