President and US senators discuss Cyprus' geostrategic role in the region

Cyprus’ geostrategic role of as a pillar of cooperation, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East was highlighted during a meeting in Nicosia between the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, with a delegation of US Senators, according to Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

The Senators' team consists of Jerry Moran, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, John Hoeven, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Robert Aderholt.

In a written statement, Letymbiotis said that during the meeting that took place at the Presidential Palace on 28 May, the President of the Republic briefed the American officials about the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, while the situation in the Middle East was discussed.

“Cyprus’ geostrategic role was also highlighted, especially in light of current geopolitical circumstances, as a pillar of cooperation, stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region,” he added.

Among other things, he noted, the President of the Republic also referred to the development of the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus “Amalthea”, for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza and Nicosia’s close cooperation with other states and organisations, for the intensification of the initiative, including the US. He also emphasised “the crucial role” of the US-built pier in Gaza, as well as the logistical support they provide under the Amalthea initiative, as regards the delivery of humanitarian aid, the statement added.

The visit of the American officials to Cyprus, takes place “at a time when the bilateral relations of cooperation between the two countries are at an exceptional level”, Letymbiotis said, noting that it is part of their tour to Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Finland and Sweden.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue. 

(Source: CNA)