The United States and Cyprus elevated their bilateral relationship with the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue, announced during a meeting between Foreign Ministers Antony Blinken and Konstantinos Kombos in Washington D.C.
The initiative signifies a deepening and broadening of cooperation between the two countries. Blinken himself announced the launch, noting that it is the first round of a discussion which will take place in Cyprus this fall.
I think it’s very powerful evidence of the strengthening, the deepening, the broadening of the relationship between our countries, acting together in so many different areas,” Secretary Blinken said. He noted the growing strategic value the U.S. places on Cyprus, particularly for military and humanitarian operations.
Kombos echoed the sentiment, calling it “a very important day for our two countries” and emphasised the creation of “a dialogue that is going to be intensive, and that’s for the benefit of our people of our two countries.”
Underscoring Cyprus’s role as “part of the solution” to regional challenges, he stressed the importance of U.S. support in resolving the long-standing Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus.
The Strategic Dialogue establishes a framework for annual high-level consultations in both Nicosia and Washington. The inaugural round is expected to occur in September with senior officials from both Foreign Ministries.
The format aligns with the U.S.’s existing Strategic Dialogues with 30 other countries, including 13 EU member states. Cyprus’s inclusion elevates its position as a close partner of the US.
This development comes on the heels of the successful collaboration on the Amalthea humanitarian corridor, highlighting a new level of U.S.-Cyprus cooperation. The Strategic Dialogue further solidifies Cyprus’s role as a reliable and predictable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Potential benefits for Cyprus include strengthened political, economic, social, and cultural ties; enhanced collaboration on security and energy; and a more prominent role as a regional stabilising force.
Additionally, the dialogue could open doors for increased American investment, boost trade, and new opportunities for Cypriot youth in education and research.
Following the meeting, a bilateral agreement on travel data cooperation was signed, potentially moving Cyprus closer to inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme. This programme would allow Cypriot citizens visa-free travel for business or tourism for up to 90 days.
The Cyprus issue also featured in the discussions, with Kombos reiterating the commitment to a U.N.-backed solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality.
Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support for a Cyprus settlement within the U.N. framework.
