The establishment of the Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue is an important milestone in the countries’ bilateral relations President Christodoulides and US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher said on Tuesday.
In his address at a reception hosted by the US Ambassador to Cyprus on the occasion of the 248th anniversary of US Independence, held at the old campus of the University of Cyprus, the President noted that the cooperation between the two nations has never been stronger, and their relations have never been so genuine and valuable.
He remarked that since Cyprus gained independence in 1960, bilateral relations with the USA have undergone significant transformations.
President Christodoulides stated, “The establishment of the Strategic Dialogue is a highly significant development that epitomises the joint commitment to this partnership and the alignment of our countries’ interests in ensuring stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.” He added that Cyprus and the United States have much to anticipate through continued cooperation in various fields, including economy and investment, security and defence, rule of law, innovation, science, technology, research, and expanded cultural and educational exchanges.
Reflecting on the recent history of bilateral relations, the President referred to the Statement of Intent he signed with the US during his tenure as Foreign Minister in 2018, the Cooperation Agreement on Security and Energy in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2019, the establishment of the CYCLOPS Centre in 2021, and the launch of the Strategic Dialogue in 2024.
He also mentioned the cooperation between the two countries under Cyprus’s Amalthea initiative to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Cyprus, the European Union’s lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean, will decisively continue to be part of the solutions to the region’s problems,” said President Christodoulides, adding that Cyprus is a force for peace and stability, a humanitarian facilitator, a country that assumes its moral responsibilities and aspires to a brighter future for our region and all our neighbours.
US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, noted that over the past year, Cyprus has played a stabilising role in the region, positioning itself as part of the solution by assisting its neighbours and promoting regional stability.
She mentioned, “Two weeks ago, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos launched a Strategic Dialogue between our countries in Washington, and we look forward to the first meeting being held this autumn in Cyprus.”
She explained that “the Strategic Dialogue is a tool for enhancing our relations across a broad range of interests, including trade, science and technology, security, education, and people-to-people ties. It’s yet another reflection that Cyprus is a deeply valued partner for my country.”
Speaking on the Cyprus issue, Fisher stressed, “Cypriots can count on us to remain committed to a just and lasting peace on the island and engaged in bridging the divide between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.” She mentioned that the appointment of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy during this 50th year of the island’s division presents a key opportunity. “We support the UN Personal Envoy’s efforts because we believe, and we know, a just and lasting solution, based on the agreed Security Council framework, will benefit all Cypriots,” she stated.
Fisher also said that over the past year, Cyprus has played a crucial, stabilising role in a turbulent region, adding that “Cyprus has provided a crucial platform for political, economic, humanitarian, and military reach at Europe’s intersection with the Middle East.”
Furthermore, she stated that the United States remains a committed partner as Cyprus seeks to grow and expand its economic base and continues its efforts to strengthen the integrity of its banking system.
The US Ambassador also referred to Cyprus-US relations and said, “I am proud of the work our teams are doing together to make it easier for Cypriots and Americans to travel between our countries, and I am grateful for the progress we have made. In the process, we are enhancing the security of both of our nations.”
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