In an interview with the US outlet Breitbart News, later shared by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, Christodoulides said bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United States have reached an unprecedented level.
“I have never seen Cyprus this close to America,” the president said.
Focus on regional cooperation
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Christodoulides said one of the major achievements of Cyprus’ recent presidency of the Council of the European Union was bringing Europe closer to the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He said Cyprus worked to increase awareness within the EU of the strategic importance of the region and highlighted an informal summit in Cyprus involving EU leaders and regional partners.
Christodoulides also stressed the importance the EU places on defence, referring to the bloc’s €150 billion SAFE mechanism aimed at strengthening European defence capabilities.
At the same time, he said differences between Europe and the United States should never lead to a transatlantic rupture.
Cyprus problem and Turkey
Asked about the Cyprus issue, Christodoulides described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s stance as the main obstacle to progress.
He argued that countries across the region, including Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and India, are cooperating with one another, while Turkey remains outside that framework.
Closest ally
Referring to newly appointed US ambassador John Breslow, Christodoulides described the United States as Cyprus’ most important partner in trade, defence and security.
He said Cyprus is working closely with Washington to upgrade military infrastructure and deepen cooperation.
“Today, I am happy that the United States is our closest ally in defence, security and intelligence,” he said.
The president added that American investments in Cyprus are at historic highs and said opportunities for further cooperation remain significant.
Energy cooperation
Christodoulides also highlighted energy as a key area of collaboration, noting that US energy companies Chevron and ExxonMobil are active within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
He said developments in the Eastern Mediterranean have become increasingly important as global energy markets adjust to instability in the Middle East and the impact of the war in Ukraine.
The president added that major energy-related announcements are expected in Cyprus during October and said they would further strengthen ties between Cyprus and the United States.
Defence and investment
Christodoulides pointed to the lifting of the US arms embargo on Cyprus as another major milestone in bilateral relations.
He expressed hope that future renewals of the arrangement could occur every five years rather than annually.
The president also noted that American companies are investing in Cyprus at levels not previously seen, arguing that the island offers access not only to a market of one million people but also serves as a gateway to the European Union and the wider Middle East.
According to Christodoulides, cooperation between Cyprus and the United States spans defence, energy, trade, economic development and the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.
Source: CNA
