-
.
- Ελληνικά
2024 marks a historic milestone for bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and the United States of America (US) and paves the way for more milestones in 2025, President Nicos Christodoulides said tonight, noting that bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US have never been stronger than they are today.
Addressing 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 of the Republic said, among other things, that the cooperation between the two countries has never been stronger and the relations between the two countries and the contacts between the two peoples have never been so true and valuable.
He added that since the independence of Cyprus in 1960 until today, relations with the US have witnessed world-changing developments both bilaterally and in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Reviewing the recent history of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US, the President of the Republic referred to the Declaration of Intent that 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 Center in 2021, and the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries in 2024.
He also referred to the cooperation between the two countries in the framework of the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus "Amalthea" to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.
The President of the Republic pointed out that in the past Cyprus has many times served as an evacuation centre for American and European citizens in times of instability and war in the region, noting: "Cyprus has historically been a safe haven in the region, and with the Amalthea project it is also a regional humanitarian centre."
On the issue of strengthening Cyprus-US relations, the President of the Republic said that this has been a priority of his government since the first day it took office, stressing that these relations are being strengthened step by step.
In particular, he noted that "2024 marks a historic milestone for bilateral cooperation and paves the way for more milestones in 2025".
He added that the two countries have much to look forward to, including strengthening cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, security and defence, rule of law, innovation, science, technology, research and further cultural and educational exchanges.
On the Cyprus issue, the President stressed that the US stands by Cyprus in its efforts to reunify the country and end the occupation
And he noted: "The reunification of my country and its people, ensuring that Cyprus remains a force for stability in this turbulent region, is and will continue to be my top priority as President of the Republic. To this end, I am working closely and intensively with the Personal Envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General (UNSG) Ms. Holguín, making persistent and sustained efforts to resume the dialogue from the point where it was interrupted, on the basis of the only feasible basis for a solution, that provided for in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality."
Finally, the President of the Republic praised the role and contribution of the US Ambassador to Nicosia, Ms Julie Fisher, in strengthening relations between the two countries.
(PM/EAth/EP)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
