The American Chamber of Commerce in Cyprus (AmCham Cyprus) hosted its annual Thanksgiving Gala Dinner, uniting distinguished guests, government officials, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate the enduring partnership between Cyprus and the United States.
"The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and representatives from the US Embassy. The evening also celebrated the increasing presence of US companies in Cyprus, with significant investments in energy, technology, healthcare, and transportation," AmCham Cyprus said in an announcement.
During the 2 December event, special recognition was given to the leadership of US Ambassador Julie Davis and the Embassy team for their role in advancing economic and cultural ties, supporting reforms, and promoting innovation and education.
In his keynote address, Marios Kapiris, President of AmCham Cyprus, emphasised the remarkable progress in bilateral relations, stating, “The partnership between Cyprus and the United States has grown stronger, deeper, and more dynamic than ever before, elevating Cyprus to a new level of transatlantic strategic importance.”
He noted that President Christodoulides’ recent visit to the United States and the institutionalisation of the Strategic Dialogue were cited as pivotal moments, fostering enhanced security cooperation, investment, and innovation. The President’s efforts to position Cyprus as a gateway for technology, education, and investment were praised, with emphasis on the country’s skilled workforce, robust legal framework, and strategic location connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Representing the US Embassy, Daniel Mangis, Chargé d’Affaires, conveyed the greetings of Ambassador Julie Davis and expressed optimism for the future of Cyprus–US commercial relations. He thanked President Christodoulides for his pivotal role during a defining period for bilateral ties, noting that the President’s recent visit to the US continues to yield positive results. Mangis also acknowledged AmCham Cyprus’s contribution to strengthening commercial relations, attracting investment, supporting innovation, and creating new opportunities for cooperation.
Mangis referenced the long-standing presence of American companies in Cyprus and congratulated both the outgoing and newly elected leadership of AmCham Cyprus, expressing hope for expanded cooperation.
He further noted positive developments such as new legislation to enhance transparency and national security, and the establishment of business support centres, all aimed at making Cyprus even more welcoming to business and responsive to the needs of American companies. Mangis also expressed optimism for Cyprus’s digital transformation and the renewal of the bilateral Economic Diplomacy Action Plan.
Finally, he reaffirmed the United States’ continued support for efforts under the United Nations to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
President Christodoulides, in his remarks, powerfully quoted, "Cyprus is no longer being discovered — it is being chosen" referring to the message he received during the investment roadshow Cyprus carried out earlier this year in New York, Houston, and Silicon Valley.
And he continued by stating that this reflects a new reality for our country and the core message shared at the AmCham Cyprus Thanksgiving Gala Dinner. It captures how far Cyprus has come and how confidently we are stepping into a future shaped by partnership, innovation, and strategic relevance, as the Cyprus–US relationship evolves into a model of purposeful cooperation.
Christodoulides then elaborated how Cyprus–US relations now stand at a historic high, through concrete milestones, such as, amongst others: the first Cyprus–U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Nicosia, the first visit of a Cypriot President to the White House in almost thirty years, strengthened security cooperation through Foreign Military Sales, Excess Defense Articles, and Section 333, the launch of the Cyprus–US Defense and Security Dialogue and enhanced law-enforcement collaboration with the FBI.
Moreover, he stressed that the National Sanctions Implementation Unit has reinforced our capabilities, while the CYCLOPS training center in Larnaca has become a regional reference point, training over 2,000 officials from more than twenty countries. In addition, he commented that our humanitarian cooperation, including Cyprus’ role as a staging point during regional crises and the operation of the Amalthea Maritime Corridor demonstrates the country’s reliability in moments of need., whilst energy collaboration remains central, with Chevron and ExxonMobil active in our Exclusive Economic Zone, with the 3+1 mechanism with Greece, Israel, and the United States continues to strengthen regional stability and connectivity.
Finally, Christodoulides concluded by stating that these developments show a country moving with confidence into a future defined by strategic relevance, a future where Cyprus is not only participating in regional developments but actively shaping them.
The President's full address can be read below:
"It is a great pleasure to be with you this evening as we celebrate a tradition that speaks to shared values: gratitude, community, and the partnerships that help us shape a better future.
At the same time, tonight is a very good opportunity to acknowledge the relationship between Cyprus and the United States (US). A relationship built on trust, shared purpose, and the numerous people, many in this room, who work to advance it.
We often describe relations as “strong” or “strategic”, but today, we describe them as nothing less than historic. Cyprus-US relations stand at a historic high – the result of deliberate work and focused foreign policy, the result of actions aimed at promoting democracy, stability, and our shared vision for a secure and prosperous region.
And I am truly pleased that Cyprus-US relations continue to deepen and expand across politics, security, defence, investment, law enforcement, energy, technology, trade, humanitarian response, and research, forming the pillars of a modern strategic partnership.
Last year, this progress crystallised with the first Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue in Nicosia (Lefkosia), a moment that elevated our relationship into a long-term strategic framework. This was followed by my visit to the White House, the first by a Cypriot President in almost 30 years.
A visit that reaffirmed Cyprus as a credible, predictable, reliable, and indispensable partner for the US in our region.
And today, we maintain excellent cooperation with the Trump Administration, building on this momentum and continue to utilise our role as a stable and trusted partner for the US in the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East, at a time when it matters more than ever. This bond was very recently reconfirmed, during the discussions in Washington between our Foreign Minister, Mr Kombos, and the Secretary of State, Mr Marco Rubio, where the forward-looking direction of our cooperation was once again reaffirmed.
Dear friends,
2025 has been a year of significant advancement with regard to our security and defence cooperation. Earlier this year, Cyprus joined three key security assistance programmes – Foreign Military Sales, Excess Defense Articles, and Section 333 – strengthening our capabilities and opening new avenues for collaboration.
To fully utilise our growing cooperation, we established the Cyprus-US Defence and Security Dialogue, ensuring structured engagement on strategic issues. Our co-operation in law enforcement and counterterrorism is stronger than ever, supported by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Cyprus Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). We also cooperate closely on anti-money laundering and sanctions implementation, and in this spirit, we established the National Sanctions Implementation Unit, a dedicated authority coordinating enforcement of European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and national sanctions.
Furthermore, in Larnaka, the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS) regional training centre, fully funded by the US government, has become a point of reference for regional security. More than 2,000 officials from Cyprus and over 20 regional countries have already received training, strengthening their capacity to respond to evolving challenges.
Picture this: experts from across the region, trained together, building not just skills, but trust, the most powerful ingredient of security.
Our cooperation is equally visible during crises. From evacuation operations to humanitarian assistance, Cyprus has provided ports, airports, and infrastructure to support regional stability. The “Amalthea Maritime Corridor”, launched from Cyprus with US support, remains one of the most important humanitarian operations in our region.
I would also be remiss, if I did not refer to energy cooperation between our countries, which remains central to our partnership. American companies, such as Chevron and ExxonMobil, are active in our Exclusive Economic Zone, reinforcing Cyprus’ role as a pillar of energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean.
And on the regional front, the 3+1 mechanism with Greece, Israel, and the US continues to evolve as a platform of cooperation, stability, and shared interests, particularly in connectivity, clean energy, technology, and infrastructure.
Dear friends,
Cyprus’ strong economic fundamentals remain the cornerstone of our international credibility. Our economy continues to outperform most eurozone countries. In 2024, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.9% and is projected to remain above 3% in 2025, supported by one of the lowest inflation rates in the EU – this is clear evidence of a well-balanced and resilient macroeconomic environment.
Public debt has fallen below 60% of GDP, due to prudent fiscal policy, and is expected to continue decreasing. Unemployment has dropped below 5%, effectively signalling full employment. These fundamentals underpin the upgrades that now place Cyprus firmly within the “A” category across major rating agencies, reflecting strong international confidence in our country.
At the same time, with determination, we are implementing an ambitious reform agenda to modernise the country: digitalising public services, simplifying procedures, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting innovation. We also adopted a new legal framework for screening foreign direct investment and, effective April 2026, Cyprus will apply the highest European standards to investments in critical infrastructure, ensuring transparency and security while maintaining an open environment for legitimate investors.
All these reforms position Cyprus as a hub for renewable energy, technology, and high-value sectors, while reinforcing our evolution into a credible international business centre and an attractive destination for foreign investment. These reforms help our two countries to further pursue and deepen their economic cooperation because the potential is limitless and mostly untapped.
In this context, I would like to refer to the investment roadshow that we carried out earlier this year in New York, Houston, and Silicon Valley, showcasing Cyprus as a gateway for innovation, energy, technology, and high-value investment. It was during this roadshow that Tenstorrent, a leading US-based AI and chip-design company, announced its intention to establish a Cyprus office in 2026. Discussions are also underway with Nvidia, Amazon, and Plug and Play.
In every city we visited, one message was clear: Cyprus is no longer being discovered, it is being chosen.
When a company like Tenstorrent looks at Cyprus, they see a stable country, powered by talent, a country positioned as a bridge and a gateway to multiple markets and new opportunities.
This reflects a broader trend: growing interest from US companies in digital innovation, renewable energy, shipping, financial services, and research. Cyprus is increasingly seen as a stable and forward-looking base for international and regional operations, and we are committed to nurturing this positive momentum.
Our efforts also continue regarding Cyprus’ inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program – a priority for businesses, students, and families. Cyprus has implemented all roadmap requirements, and we remain optimistic about progress and the political decision from the US government.
Dear friends,
From 1 January 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU. We have prepared with diligence and a clear understanding that Europe needs clarity, unity, and stability.
Our Presidency will unfold during geopolitical complexity and economic transformation and we are fully committed to strengthening Europe’s strategic resilience, deepening transatlantic cooperation, and reinforcing the values that anchor our Union.
Europe today does not only need policies; it needs results. Results delivered consistently across every member state, results that improve people’s lives and strengthen the EU.
Competitiveness will be at the heart of our Presidency. Europe’s ability to innovate, invest, and maintain a strong Single Market is fundamental to its prosperity and strategic autonomy. A more competitive EU is also a stronger US partner, better equipped to advance cooperation with the US in technology, clean energy, secure supply chains, and emerging industries.
Dear friends,
Let me conclude by stating that the work of AmCham Cyprus is indispensable in supporting and promoting our join vision for deeper and deeper Cyprus-US cooperation. You are connectors, enablers, and ambassadors of a partnership rooted in shared values and strengthened by cooperation.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we honour a relationship shaped by trust and guided by shared vision for the future. I express my sincere appreciation for your commitment to advancing the Cyprus-U.S. relationship. Your engagement is essential to all we have achieved and all we will achieve together.
Thank you very much."
