President: Cyprus-US ties have reached new heights

President Nikos Christodoulides said relations between Cyprus and the US have reached new heights and are no longer viewed solely through the lens of the Cyprus problem.

He was addressing an event in Nicosia to mark US Independence Day, hosted by US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher.

In his speech, Christodoulides said the two countries have an all-encompassing strategic partnership that boasts numerous achievements in security, cooperation in science and technology, joint military drills, the establishing of the CYCLOPS training centre as well as cooperation in the protection of cultural and archaeological heritage.

The President said that Cyprus and the United States have come together, and will continue to do so, time and time again, in the fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal drugs trafficking and the proliferation of weapons. He mentioned that these steps will also benefit tourism, education, business and investment collaborations between the two countries.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides said that “our top priority in Cyprus and one we pursue with a sense of urgency is to end the unacceptable status quo on the island caused by the Turkish invasion of 1974 and to create a better future for all Cypriots Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite, Latino, in which we prosper in peaceful co-existence and collaboration. We will continue to strive for the freedom we deserve, for reunification”.

“As we celebrate the founding of a great nation, which chose its independence by ending colonialism, we also remind ourselves of the similarities with Cyprus, with the path chosen by the American people,” said the President.

He expressed his thanks to US President Joe Biden for his unwavering support in reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, fully in line with UN Security Council Resolutions that call for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, while also expressing his warm thanks to the US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher.

(Photos: PIO)