US President Joe Biden has pledged that he has not given up on the Cyprus issue.
Addressing a digital event organised by the members of the Greek American community on the occasion of Greece’s celebration of its bicentennial independence on Thursday, President Biden paid tribute to his friend, senator Paul Sarbanes who passed away last year.
President Biden underlined that “Paul was a great friend and a great educator” for him.
“Paul got me involved when we were trying to figure out how to deal with Cyprus long – long time ago; I still haven’t given up on it.,” the President remarked, referring to the Cyprus problem.
President Biden also spoke about his telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, earlier Thursday.
“He is going to come to see me. He wants to come. We are trying to work it out when the Covid will allow that to happen,” he said.
President Biden praised efforts of Greek Americans for the good relationship the two countries enjoy.
“Under my Administration, we will be as close as we have ever been; I promise you that. I am committed to build a strong and stronger partnership than we already have and advance our shared interests. That’s what the Prime Minister and I spent time talking about”, he added.
Biden was presented by Greek American White House Press Secretary Jennifer Psaki.
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. The informal conference on Cyprus will take place 27-29 of April in Geneva.