The strong and growing relationship between Cyprus and the United States was emphasized during a meeting in New York between US Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer and President Nikos Christodoulides. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with both sides acknowledging the significant geostrategic role that Cyprus plays in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis highlighted that the two countries share an “excellent level of cooperation” and that relations have reached a new high. He confirmed that there is a mutual desire to deepen strategic cooperation further.
Finer emphasized Cyprus’ reliability as a trusted US ally and conveyed personal gratitude from US President Joe Biden for Cyprus’ role in the ‘Amalthea’ humanitarian corridor, which played a key part in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This corridor, according to Finer, greatly aided in responding to the urgent needs in the region.
In response, President Christodoulides expressed his appreciation for the US’s support on the Cyprus issue and praised the strong partnership demonstrated through the Amalthea initiative. He also reiterated Cyprus’ readiness for the upcoming Cyprus-US strategic dialogue, scheduled for October 23 in Nicosia.
Other key topics discussed during the meeting included Cyprus’s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Programme by 2025 and the US’s involvement in ongoing corruption investigations in Cyprus. They also touched on wider geopolitical developments, including the situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and other international matters.
Source: Iole Damaskinos, Cyprus Mail