Relations between Cyprus and the US have reached new heights, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said.
The President was delivering a speech during an event celebrating the US Independence Day organised by the US Embassy in Cyprus.
He stressed that bilateral ties between the two nations now extend beyond the scope of the Cyprus problem, as both Washington and Nicosia recognise the broader strategic partnership that has been established.
President Christodoulides also called upon international partners to support their vision and join efforts in achieving the dream of a reunified and free Cyprus.
Addressing the audience at the event hosted at the University of Cyprus, the President underscored the comprehensive nature of the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United States, which has yielded remarkable achievements in various areas. Notable accomplishments include advancements in security cooperation, scientific and technological collaboration, joint military exercises, the establishment of the CYCLOPS training centre, and joint endeavours in preserving cultural and archaeological heritage.
Cyprus and the United States will continue to stand together in combatting terrorism, human trafficking, illegal drug trade, and the proliferation of weapons, he added.
Regarding the Cyprus problem, the President stressed that resolving the long-standing issue remains a top priority for Cyprus. He expressed a sense of urgency in ending the unacceptable status quo resulting from the Turkish invasion of 1974 and creating a brighter future for all Cypriots, regardless of their background. President Christodoulides reiterated the determination to pursue freedom, reunification, and peaceful coexistence.
“We call upon our partners around the world to share our vision and support us in realizing the dream of a reunified free Cyprus,” President Christodoulides appealed.
Highlighting the similarities between Cyprus and the United States, President Christodoulides drew parallels to the American people’s path toward independence, stating that both nations share a common history in choosing their respective freedoms.
The President expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his “unwavering support” in achieving a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, aligning with UN Security Council Resolutions that advocate for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.
Additionally, he extended warm thanks to US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, for her contributions and efforts in strengthening bilateral relations.
US understands urgency to solve the Cyprus question
On her part, Ambassador Fisher highlighted the ties that bring the peoples of Cyprus and the US together, starting from education, which as she noted have brought more than 6000 Cypriots to the United States.
The Ambassador also spoke of the need to utilise American-Cypriot relations to improve and expand the benefits of democracy and maximise results for the citizens of the two nations, by making it easier to travel and study in “each other’s countries.”
Furthermore, “the opportunity to work together with partners to advance regional security and stability, combating transnational threats and confront the realities of climate change and, of course, the opportunity to bring the people of the island together in support of the settlement of the Cyprus question, as led by Cypriots, facilitated by the United Nations and governed by UN Security Council Resolutions,” the Ambassador noted.
Concluding, Fisher stressed that the US has heard Cyprus’ urgent message on reunification and that the country agrees that the issue must not be deferred any longer.
“Too much is at stake for the people of the island, the people of the region and indeed the transatlantic family. The people of Cyprus can count on the United States to play its role in support of that process,” she noted.
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