The United States and Cyprus held their first strategic dialogue in Nicosia, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs James O’Brien leading the American delegation.
The wide-ranging dialogue covered multiple areas of cooperation, including:
- Cyprus’s expected entry into the US Visa Waiver Program, potentially by 2025
- Enhanced funding and expansion of the CYCLOPS Training Centre in Larnaca
- Strengthened law enforcement cooperation through FBI and US Justice Department programmes
- Deepened defence collaboration under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Roadmap
- New initiatives in research, technology and innovation
- Disaster response capabilities enhancement
- Civilian evacuation cooperation amid Middle East instability
- Educational exchanges, including an expanded Fulbright programme
- Cyprus’s adoption of the March 5, 2024 Washington Conference Declaration on Best Practices regarding Holocaust-era looted art (1933-1945)
- Enhanced cybersecurity capabilities and Cyprus’s forthcoming inclusion in the Global Engagement Centre’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation
- A new memorandum of cooperation on economic matters, focusing on investment attraction, building on the existing bilateral Economic Diplomacy Action Plan
The presence of James O’Brien in Nicosia for the inauguration of the first Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus marks a milestone in bilateral relations.
O’Brien, who brings extensive experience in global sanctions and Russian affairs, met privately with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to discuss bilateral issues, the Strategic Dialogue agenda, and the Cyprus problem.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace alongside O’Brien, Kombos described the meeting as a crucial moment in bilateral relations, emphasising their joint commitment to cooperation based on mutual benefits.
He added that strengthening bilateral ties has been a top priority since President Nikos Christodoulides took office.
“We believe there are enormous opportunities to elevate our bilateral relationship to the next level, and it is up to us to transform these opportunities into concrete achievements”, Minister Kombos stated.
O’Brien expressed enthusiasm about participating in the first US-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue.
He emphasised that the success of bilateral cooperation would be measured by enhanced security and prosperity for citizens of both nations.
The US diplomat highlighted the impressive work at the CYCLOPS centre in Larnaca and mentioned the memorandum of understanding to expand the Fulbright programme and increase the number of English language teachers.
He also discussed defence cooperation and investment opportunities, noting that “today marks the beginning of an even greater journey”.
Regarding regional developments, Kombos said the current situation in the Middle East provides an opportunity to demonstrate internationally that Cyprus is a reliable US strategic partner with a significant regional role.
He mentioned ongoing discussions about reactivating the humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza.
On Cyprus’s inclusion in the visa waiver programme, Minister Kombos said consultations with the US continue, awaiting official announcement of visa rejection rates, a key technical criterion.
He expressed hope for positive developments in the coming months, pending parliamentary ratification of a recently signed agreement.
O’Brien reaffirmed US support for President Christodoulides’s efforts to restart the Cyprus problem talks, stating, “Our position remains a strong commitment to a bizonal, bicommunal federation under UN mediation”.
The dialogue concluded with both sides emphasising their strategic commitment to regional security, stability, and peace.
Officials highlighted the CYCLOPS centre’s success in training over 1,000 people from 20 countries and celebrated the signing of the Artemis Accords for peaceful space exploration.
Following the discussions, President Christodoulides met with O’Brien to discuss bilateral relations, regional and international developments, and the Cyprus issue.
