President - US Ambassador hail bilateral ties, role of Cyprus in the region

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and US Ambassador Julie Davis have hailed the excellent bilateral ties and the strategic partnership between the two countries and referred to the role the island plays in the region.

The President and the Ambassador delivered addresses at a 1 July event to mark US Independence Day which will be on 4 July. The reception took place at the old campus of the University of Cyprus in Nicosia.

The President noted that the partnership between Cyprus and the United States is built on a bedrock of trust, shared values, and common purpose and it is one of strategic choice and depth and thanked the Ambassador for continuing to advance and champion Cyprus-US relations in key areas of cooperation.

He referred to the role of Cyprus in the region in the recent crises describing the island as a safe harbor and a bridge to safety, assisting with departures of American and other citizens.

"And we will continue working with the United States to promote stability, peace, and prosperity  in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and in Europe. And always through dialogue and diplomacy", he noted.

The President said that the two countries have reached new milestones in their bilateral ties over the past year, pointing out that beyond cooperation at the political, defence, security level, economic and commercial cooperation lie at the heart of a thriving relationship.

Referring to the State Partnership Program with the New Jersey National Guard he said that now, at times of crisis management and disaster response, this partnership is clearer than ever and enables us to tackle crisis together, makes us more secure and more resilient.

About the Visa waiver program the President noted that it matters for our citizens, our economies, and our shared security and "we are working hard together to get it done".

Referring to the Cyprus issue and reunification he said that a reunited Cyprus must be able to remain an independent, stable strategic partner and enabler of security in the region.

"Cyprus will remain a trusted US partner — a proud democracy, a bridge between continents, a force for good in a complex world. Together, we will keep building. Together, we will keep delivering. Making breakthroughs. Reaching new heights", he also noted.

In her address the Ambassador referred to the role Cyprus is playing in the Eastern Mediterranean and thanked the authorities for their assistance with departures of American citizens from regional conflict zones.

She referred to the value of the State Partnership Program with the New Jersey National Guard in 2023, pointing out that it makes our citizens safer and more resilient.

It is worth mentioning that New Jersey inspired this year's festivities for the 4th of July.

Ambassador Davis further said that no single issue can better showcase the tangible benefit of the strengthened relationship than the economic and commercial cooperation, pointing out that American-Cypriot partnerships are delivering real results for both the economies.

Referring to the Cyprus issue she said once again that the US wants to see the reunification of the island in line with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, pointing out that diplomacy again is the answer. She noted that in all conflicts only diplomacy can advance peace. 

She praised the reappointment of UNSG Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin and the appointment of Johannes Hahn as the EU Envoy for Cyprus, expressing optimism that these envoys as well as the commitment of the sides to making genuine progress,  will help put us on a path to delivering what the people of Cyprus want and deserve.

She also said that the US efforts on the island are related to working to make it easier for our citizens to travel, while strengthening the borders and facilitating business ties. 

The guests enjoyed music by the US Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band.

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 announced that an informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format will be held in July, following a similar meeting in Geneva, on 17-18 March.

(Sources: CNA/PIO)