President Nikos Christodoulides has said relations between Cyprus and the United States have reached their strongest level yet, with further opportunities for cooperation in energy, defence, security and investment.
Speaking to Breitbart News on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Christodoulides said “the sky is the limit” for bilateral ties. The interview, published on Sunday, 4 October, was also shared by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Christodoulides described Trump as having a “unique advantage” in negotiations because other leaders know where they stand with him, making it possible to discuss disagreements and work towards solutions.
Reflecting on Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union earlier this year, he highlighted efforts to strengthen Europe’s relationship with the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He pointed to an informal meeting in Cyprus bringing together EU leaders and representatives of countries in the region, alongside increased European investment in defence through the €150 billion SAFE instrument.
The President also stressed the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relations, saying that differences between Europe and Washington should not lead to a rift.
Defence and regional cooperation
Christodoulides said Cyprus was working closely with the United States to upgrade its military infrastructure and strengthen cooperation in defence, security and intelligence.
Referring to the new US ambassador to Cyprus, John Breslow, he described Washington as a key partner and said he had never seen relations between the two countries as close as they are today.
On the Cyprus problem, he identified Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s insistence on a two-state solution outside the UN framework as a major obstacle to a settlement.
He contrasted Turkey’s approach with cooperation involving Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, India and the United States.
The President also expressed hope that the lifting of US arms restrictions on Cyprus could be renewed for five-year periods rather than requiring annual approval, allowing for longer-term defence planning.
Energy and investment
Energy was another central theme of the interview, with Christodoulides highlighting the involvement of US companies Chevron and ExxonMobil in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
He said developments in the Middle East had increased the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean as an alternative energy route for Europe.
Christodoulides indicated that announcements concerning further involvement by US energy companies were expected during the first two weeks of October.
He also stressed the importance of diversifying Europe’s energy supplies, pointing to the consequences of reliance on Russia exposed by the war in Ukraine.
Turning to investment, the President said Cyprus offered American businesses access to both the European single market and the wider Middle East.
He argued that investing in Cyprus meant reaching beyond the island’s domestic market to a European market of around 450 million people.
Protecting Christian communities
Christodoulides also discussed cooperation with Washington to protect Christian minorities in the Middle East, describing these communities as important to regional stability.
He said Cyprus continued to raise the need for their protection through both EU channels and bilateral discussions, particularly regarding Syria.
The President highlighted the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and wider projects aimed at improving regional connectivity.
He also referred to meeting Trump at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year, and expressed hope that he would visit the White House soon.
Source: Cyprus News Agency, reporting on an interview with Breitbart News.
