The future of US-Cyprus partnership is as promising as ever, President Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday evening in his address at the reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, in Nicosia.
"Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence articulated a revolutionary vision whose influence continues to resonate to this day, far beyond the borders of the United States, inspiring democratic movements and generations of leaders and citizens across the world,’’ President Christodoulides pointed out, noting that ‘’for Cypriots, these ideals hold particular importance’’ and "continue to inspire our commitment to freedom, to democracy and self-determination.’’
"This anniversary is also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring, strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United States and the shared values that continue to bring our two countries closer together. A partnership that over the last years has undergone a profound transformation and is today marked by clear purpose and growing confidence,’’ he added.
"What was once a relationship viewed primarily through a single prism has evolved into a broad strategic partnership, underpinned by shared interests, common values and of course a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East,’’ he emphasised.
President Christodoulides also noted that ‘’the strength of this relationship was further elevated through the inaugural Cyprus–U.S. Strategic Dialogue in October 2024 and is tangible in our daily engagement. Whether in Defence, Security, Energy, Innovation, Education and in so many other fields, the story of our partnership today is one of momentum and of substance,’’ he said.
"In Defence and Security, our cooperation has reached unprecedented levels, with new frameworks and initiatives significantly deepening our bilateral bonds,’’ he added.
Notable milestones
Notable milestones, the President said, include the first-ever Five-Year Defence Cooperation Roadmap, signed in 2024, and the 2025 Presidential Determination authorising the Republic of Cyprus' participation in the Foreign Military Sales and Excess Defense Articles programs, "opening a new chapter in our security cooperation", adding that Cyprus became eligible to nominate candidates to all U.S. Service Academies, with the first Cypriot admitted to the United States Naval Academy earlier this year.
Furthermore, he said that institutional ties have also expanded through the landmark partnership between the George C. Marshall Center and the Cyprus Security and Defence Academy promoting joint research, academic exchanges and professional education.
In Energy and Economy, President Christodoulides noted that "the presence of leading American companies in our Exclusive Economic Zone and growing business engagement reflect confidence in Cyprus and in the opportunities that lie ahead, and by the end of June we are going to have more positive announcements.’’ ‘’This confidence has been further reinforced following my visit to New York, Texas and Silicon Valley last year to promote investment and business collaboration between our two countries,’’ he added.
He went on to say that "this visit paved the way for major U.S. investments and partnerships in Cyprus, including initiatives involving companies such as NVIDIA, Plug and Play and with further significant announcements expected in the coming months], in the fields of innovation and advanced technologies, further strengthening our position as a regional hub for technological innovation and high-value investment.’’
In Education, the President said that "an increasing number of young Cypriots are choosing to study in the United States and return home with new perspectives and experiences that further strengthen the bonds between our two countries.’’
He also noted that "this progress is further reinforced by the strong and enduring bipartisan support that Cyprus–U.S. relations enjoy in Washington, reflecting a shared recognition of the value and significance of our partnership and confidence in its future trajectory.’’ He added that "a recent example of this is the advancement of the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act in the U.S. Senate, underscoring growing bipartisan recognition of the Eastern Mediterranean's role in advancing regional connectivity, energy security and stability.’’
He added that, perhaps the most important dimension of the two countries' partnership is the growing network of human connections between the two peoples, "because ultimately strong partnerships are built by people,’’ the President emphasised. "And as these bridges deepen, we also remain firmly committed to joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, in order to make travel easier, exchanges deeper and connections stronger – across borders, institutions and generations,’’ he added.
He further pointed out that "Cyprus and the United States have stood side by side in moments of crisis and challenge. These moments have demonstrated the strength of our partnership and the depth of the trust that underpins it.’’
"They have also highlighted Cyprus' role as a stable democracy, a reliable and predictable partner and a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greater Middle East,’’ the President said.
"That spirit of trust and cooperation has also shaped our broader vision for transatlantic relations. Cyprus has long believed in the importance of a strong and forward-looking partnership between Europe and the United States,’’ he pointed out, noting that ‘’this same conviction guided Cyprus during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, where strengthening EU–U.S. relations was among our key priorities, and the successful conclusion of the EU–U.S. trade agreement stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when partners work together in pursuit of common goals and shared prosperity.’’
Freedom, self-determination and democracy
Referring to the values of freedom, self-determination and democracy that inspired the US Declaration of Independence, President Christodoulides recalled that "these ideals can never be taken for granted,’’ adding that ‘’for Cyprus, this is deeply personal.’’
"As a country that continues to live with the consequences of invasion and occupation, we know all too well the profound importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for international law,’’ he emphasised. ‘’We know all too well the importance of liberty and security, and of creating the conditions under which all citizens can live together in peace and prosperity,’’ he added.
President Christodoulides went on to say that "for Cyprus, these principles are inextricably linked to our enduring efforts to reunify our country and achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem, in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and of course the EU Law, values and principles.’’
In this context, he underlined "how much we value the steadfast support of the United States and its longstanding commitment to a future in which all Cypriots can live together in peace, security and prosperity in a reunited country.’’
"Tonight, we can take pride in all that we have achieved together. The future of our partnership is as promising as ever, and I am confident that the ties between our countries and our peoples will continue to deepen in the years ahead,’’ the President said.
Special tribute to Ambassador Julie Davis
He also paid special tribute to Ambassador Julie Davis "for her outstanding service and invaluable contribution to the remarkable progress of our bilateral relations. Her dedication, commitment and friendship have left a lasting mark on this partnership, and for that, we are deeply grateful,’’ he noted, also thanking Daniel Mangis "for his tireless efforts, his commitment to further strengthening our ties and for his gracious hospitality this evening.’’
On his part, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, Daniel E. Mangis, said that the American journey "has never been simple. It has been tested by war, strengthened by sacrifice, corrected by conscience, and renewed by every generation.’’
He further pointed out that "for two and a half centuries, the central premise has endured: that free people can shape their own future through democracy. It is especially meaningful to celebrate that premise here in Cyprus — an island of ancient history and modern ambition, whose people understand resilience, sovereignty, and the responsibility of building peace in a difficult neighborhood,’’ he noted.
"When we celebrate the Fourth of July, we commemorate that specific date in 1776 in the city of Philadelphia when fifty-six men put their names to a single sheet of parchment that became known around the world as the Declaration of Independence,’’ Mangis said.
"With it, as President Trump has observed, ‘America began the greatest political journey in human history.’ They declared, as a self-evident truth, that all people are endowed with certain unalienable rights — among them, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,’’ he added.
"That history is an inheritance and responsibility. Across two and a half centuries, Americans have renewed the promise of our founding through conflict and recovery, expansion and reform, triumph, and moments that demanded humility,’’ Mangis noted.
He went on to say that "the 250th anniversary of the United States is not simply a national birthday party. It is, as President Trump has described it, a launchpad for the future. Under his leadership, we are forging new partnerships, championing innovation, and defining a new era of diplomacy,’’ he emphasised.
Advancing peace through strength
"From the Marshall Plan to the Camp David Accords to the Abraham Accords, American diplomacy has advanced peace through strength – and it continues to do so here in Cyprus,’’ he added.
"As Secretary Rubio has said: "Each generation brought America closer to the principles of its founding." That generational diplomatic work is what we aim to do in this Embassy alongside our Cypriot partners,’’ U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires said.
This anniversary, he said, "is also a moment to take stock of what we are building here in Cyprus". "Over the past year, we have deepened cooperation in defense, law enforcement, education, energy, and commerce. That work has mattered at critical moments,’’ he added.
Mangis recalled that "when hostilities in the region threatened civilian safety, the U.S. Navy was there offshore of Cyprus to provide protection against aerial threats in coordination with Cyprus and other partners.’’ ‘’Let no one doubt America’s commitment to security in the Eastern Mediterranean,’’ he noted.
Mangis went on to say that "after last year’s devastating wildfires, the U.S. government’s elite national fire response team came to Cyprus to help identify the cause of the fire, share our hard-earned expertise, and help with preparations for this year’s fire season.’’
"Our law-enforcement cooperation continues to advance the rule of law, combat illicit financial flows, and help ensure that this island is not a venue for those who would undermine the international order,’’ he said, adding that ‘’our university partnerships are bringing together Cypriot and American scholars, researchers, and students in exchanges that change the trajectory of our relationship.’’
"Working closely with our friends in the American Chamber of Commerce, we are helping turn growing American investor interest in Cyprus into lasting commercial ties,’’ Mangis said.
"We are especially proud to see the long-hoped-for realisation of Cyprus’s offshore natural gas reserves moving toward production,’’ he said, pointing out that "energy security is national security, and Cyprus’ emergence as an energy producer will strengthen both this country and the wider region.’’
A Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated comprehensive settlement
Referring to the Cyprus Issue, Mangis noted that "the United States position is clear and unwavering: we support a Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots.’’
"We believe that reunification would benefit everyone on this island, as well as the wider region. We welcome the work of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus and encourage all parties to engage constructively in settlement talks and take meaningful steps to build trust,’’ the U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires said.
"We also emphasise the importance of avoiding provocative unilateral actions that increase tensions on the island and hinder efforts to resume settlement talks in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,’’ he noted.
"The founding ideals we celebrate tonight — liberty, self-determination, and the dignity of every person — are ideals that belong to all Cypriots. A reunified Cyprus, living in peace and prosperity, is a goal the United States continues to support,’’ he said.
"America remains a trusted and dynamic partner, ready to lead into the next 250 years. And Cyprus remains one of the partners we are most proud to stand beside,’’ he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
