President Christodoulides said that he was being realistic by acknowledging that with international law as the only tool in the country's arsenal, Cyprus cannot be liberated.
In today’s international system, "interests prevail over justice" he told a gathering of the Cypriot diaspora in New York, adding that the goal is “to align our interests with those of powerful states” and show that the Republic of Cyprus can “provide solutions to significant problems, particularly in our region.”
He further expressed his deep appreciation for the contribution of overseas Cypriots. “Every time I meet our diaspora here in New York, I feel the same warmth and love,” he addeed, thanking them for being “the most authentic ambassadors.”
On the ongoing Cyprus issue efforts, he stressed that since assuming the Presidency, he has been working methodically for the resumption of negotiations, noting his success, as he said, in 'reactivating the international community after seven years', through the informal five party conferences held in Geneva and New York earlier this year.
The President noted that Nicosia had managed to interlink EU–Turkey relations with the Cyprus issue and there was a “clear increased involvement by the EU”, through the letters on Cyprus sent by the heads of the European Commission and the European Council to the UN chief, and the appointment of an EU envoy.
He also pointed out that Cyprus had already demonstrated its role through initiatives such as “the Amaltheia maritime corridor for delivering urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza” and its readiness to act as a hub for the evacuation of civilians.
He then referred to Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, with the country's aim to “further highlight the footprint of the Republic of Cyprus” and to show that it can “advance European integration.”
“We have shown in practice that our country is not part of the problem, but a provider of solutions, while at the same time demonstrating that we are a stable, predictable, and reliable state in the region,” he stressed.
On the home front, he informed the diasporta of efforts to modernise Cyprus, move with 'daring reforms, strengthen the rule of law and combat corruption.'
On the energy, investment and business front, he referred to an “international rebranding campaign” with contacts in New York, Texas, Silicon Valley, and Canada, noting an increased investment interest.
Despite global crises, he underlined that “our country today has one of the highest growth rates in Europe, 3.4%, with public debt below 60% and unemployment at historic lows.'