US President Joe Biden expressed optimism regarding a resolution to the Cyprus issue during a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at the White House on Wednesday, October 30.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the island’s division, Biden recalled, “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the artificial division of the island. I remember it well; I was in my first year in the US Senate.” He described Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus as a “sad day” and a “sad occasion.”
Despite the challenges, Biden stated, “I remain optimistic about the possibility that a reunited Cyprus under a bizonal, bicommunal federation is possible.”
He emphasised the potential for collaboration between the nations, noting, “There are no limits to what our nations can achieve together; we have been doing this for a long time.”
President Christodoulides echoed Biden’s sentiments regarding the Cyprus problem, saying, “I count on your support, and the support of the US, in our efforts to resume negotiations.” He described it as a “great honour” to visit the White House, asserting that Cyprus is “truly a strategic partner” of the US.
He noted that relations between Cyprus and the US are currently at a “historical high,” emphasising the close cooperation in areas such as “defence and security, energy, law enforcement, technology, and innovation.” Christodoulides also pointed out the “untapped potential” in their bilateral relations, highlighting a shared political will to deepen cooperation, as demonstrated by the commencement of a “strategic dialogue.”
Κύριε Πρόεδρε @POTUS σας ευχαριστώ πολύ για την πρόσκλήσή σας, είναι μεγάλη τιμή να είμαι στον Λευκό Οίκο. Oι χώρες μας έχουν οικοδομήσει μια πραγματικά στρατηγική συνεργασία και οι σχέσεις μας βρίσκονται σε στρατηγικά και ιστορικά υψηλό επίπεδο. Σε διμερές επίπεδο,… pic.twitter.com/KlWsGN4Ndh
— President of the Republic of Cyprus (@PresidentCYP) October 30, 2024
On a regional scale, he described Cyprus as a “predictable and reliable partner of the US” in a “region of great geopolitical importance,” underscoring Cyprus’s EU membership and strong relationships with neighbouring countries. He also mentioned the potential for a ceasefire in Lebanon, stating it “could be reached in the next one to two weeks.”
The provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through Cyprus was also discussed, with Christodoulides referencing the Amalthea plan and the evacuation of citizens from crisis areas via the Estia plan. He noted that Cyprus has positioned itself “on the right side of history” in executing these initiatives.
Biden expressed satisfaction with the Amalthea plan, which enables the delivery of 8,000 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating, “Cyprus made all this possible.”
In the first Cypriot president visit to the White House since 1996, Christodoulides was accompanied by several officials, including Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, and Cyprus’ ambassador to the US, Evangelos Savva.
Source: Cyprus Mail.
