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- Ελληνικά
The President of the Republic Mr.Nicos Christodoulides expressed his satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United States, underlining the determination of the Cyprus Government to further strengthen and deepen the already excellent relations between the two countries.
Addressing a dinner hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce of Cyprus (AmCham) on the occasion of the Thanksgiving holiday, President Christodoulides said, inter alia, that "in recent years we have witnessed the blossoming of relations between Cyprus and the United States in a number of important areas, including security, energy, defense and education.
The bilateral relationship is strategic and I am proud that during my tenure as Foreign Minister we have signed a Statement of Intent, which is the basis for the work we have done in the areas of maritime security, counter-terrorism and other areas that we will expand," adding that "Cyprus is a stable, reliable and predictable partner."
He also noted that business relations play a key and very important role in consolidating political ties between the two countries, adding that "it is through common economic interests and mutual investments that we are building the foundations for lasting cooperation."
President Christodoulides also underlined that "we aim to enhance investment attraction and create a favourable business environment that promotes transparency and efficiency."
He also underlined: "on the issue of Cyprus' reputation in relation to money laundering and sanctions, I would like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms that for this Government, strengthening the legislative and enforcement framework is a matter of the highest priority."
He added: "The political commitment to demonstrate zero tolerance for practices that expose Cyprus internationally is real, it is tangible and it is irreversible. We are working tirelessly to promote actions to restore Cyprus' reputation as a credible business and economic centre, including the decision of the Council of Ministers in June on a comprehensive package of measures in this direction," noting the arrival of a team of foreign experts in the coming days in Cyprus to assist the work of the Cypriot authorities to this end."
He also noted that "in this context we are working in close cooperation with the US".
He also said that the Government has set up the Economic Diplomacy Action Plan under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy in Nicosia, noting that one of the actions concerns the visa waiver programme between the two countries.
He also said that last April he appointed Deputy Minister to the President Ms. Irene Piki as coordinator of this action plan.
The President also said that "we are seeing a steady increase in American investment in Cyprus which is a clear indication of the confidence of American businesses in Cyprus' economic prospects."
Finally, President Christodoulides noted that "I am excited about the remarkable prospects in our relations. Our goal is to strengthen economic cooperation, bilateral trade and investment, as well as people-to-people contacts. And we are fortunate to have Ambassador Julie D. Fisher in Cyprus, who shares this enthusiasm and is working tirelessly to further develop our bilateral relations."
(PM/MS/EATH)
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