The United States and Cyprus held their inaugural Strategic Dialogue in Nicosia, marking a shift in US policy by treating Cyprus as an independent strategic partner rather than through the lens of Turkish-American relations.
Until recently, Cyprus had been primarily viewed within the context of US-Turkish relations at the State Department level.
The timing of the dialogue, held just four months after its announcement and ahead of US presidential elections, carries particular significance, suggesting the partnership will continue regardless of who occupies the White House.
James O’Brien, US Assistant Secretary of State, who led the American delegation, told Antenna TV that the scope of cooperation continues to expand. He emphasised that such dialogues are crucial for building habitual cooperation and deepening friendships and partnerships.
O’Brien noted his impression of the extensive ongoing collaboration between delegation members, with dozens of officials already working together effectively, creating what he described as an important foundation for future relations.
In the same interview, O’Brien highlighted the strong cooperation on security matters concerning Cyprus. He explained that when threats emerge, whether cyber, digital or other forms, information is shared and effectively utilised by the Cypriot government. He praised Cyprus’s swift response to threats and its efforts to keep citizens informed about safety measures.
The dialogue covered several key areas of cooperation, including:
- Progress towards Cyprus joining the US Visa Waiver Programme, potentially by 2025
- Agreement to enhance the CYCLOPS Training Centre in Larnaca
- Strengthening law enforcement cooperation through FBI and US Justice Department programmes
- Deepening defence collaboration and extending the timeframe for lifting restrictions on US defence equipment sales
- Developing programmes in research, technology, and innovation
- Enhanced cooperation in disaster response and civilian evacuation capabilities
The joint communique identified four main pillars of cooperation: international and regional collaboration, security and law enforcement, education and culture, and energy and technology.
O’Brien underscored Cyprus’s strategic importance, noting that having a stable ally in Cyprus enables close monitoring of regional developments and involvement in solution-finding efforts.
The dialogue established Cyprus’s independent portfolio within US administration, moving away from decades of viewing Cypriot matters primarily through Turkish-American relations. This marks a significant evolution in US foreign policy towards the eastern Mediterranean region.
The partnership encompasses various initiatives, including cybersecurity cooperation, with Cyprus set to join the Global Engagement Centre’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation. Both nations also agreed to pursue economic cooperation memoranda to enhance investment opportunities.
In the energy sector, both countries emphasised their shared goal of greater regional connectivity and ending Cyprus’s energy isolation through natural gas resource development and electrical interconnections, particularly highlighting the Great Sea Interconnector project.
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