Last Update: 17.00
Having just arrived from Washington, the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis informed the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the results of the talks he had in the White House with the President of the United States Joe Biden.
According to the Cypriot media, the meeting of the president of the Republic of Cyprus with Joe Biden, the dinner with E. Tatar and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York and the upcoming meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece G. Gerapetritis with his counterpart Turkish H. Fidan.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Welcome dear Niko. Artie from the United States. First of all, I congratulate you on the very important moment for you, the president of the Republic of Cyprus after many years, 28 if I am not mistaken, to be found in the White House by the president of the United States. Which confirms the strategic aspect of the relationship that Cyprus now has with the United States as a continuation of the strategic relationship that Greece also has. In the context of this tripartite cooperation, I believe that the voice of the United States, which recognizes that the time has come for a fair and sustainable solution to the issue of Cyprus within the framework of the decisions of the United Nations Security Council. an important moment that adds to the momentum that has been building in recent months.”
Nikos Christodoulidis: ”A historic meeting after 28 years and the most important thing is the recognition by the United States of the role that Cyprus and Greece play in the region. An area of particular geostrategic importance and we prove it with actions, works and not with And I am very happy that this strategy is getting results and that it is being recognized There is no doubt about foreign policy and that certainly helps our efforts and that strengthens our efforts to address the issue of Resolving Cyprus a moment… It is always a great pleasure to be in Greece and to meet and discuss From the first moment we are moving with a common goal, with common desires, as the relationship between Athens and Nicosia always… I. I am glad that we are implementing a strategy this time that is yielding results…”
During the cabinet meeting, which ended earlier on Herodos Atticou 19, the prime minister characterized the four Biden-Christodoulidis as an important proof of the upgrade of Megalonis relations with the United States of America. But also a development, which shows the benefits arising from active diplomacy, based on the continuous coordination between Athens and Nicosia.
“At this moment, I do not want to be optimistic or pessimistic, but I am still in one conclusion: that Cyprus is now viewed from the point of view of international mobility, and the solution of the issue from Cyprus is part of the solution to the equation . of the most sensitive region on the world map and that this change of perspective can be transformed, I hope, into a page change”, said Mr. Mitsotakis.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sofia Leontiou, Expert in International Relations
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Leontiou! Thank you for joining us today. There’s been significant diplomatic movement in Cyprus lately, particularly with President Nikos Christodoulidis’s recent visit to Washington. How do you interpret the importance of this meeting with President Biden?
Dr. Sofia Leontiou (SL): Thank you for having me! The meeting between President Christodoulidis and President Biden is indeed a pivotal moment for Cyprus. It represents a formal recognition of Cyprus’s strategic significance in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in light of regional tensions. The acknowledgment of Cyprus’s role aligns well with the U.S. interest in maintaining stability in this geopolitically vital area.
TNE: The Cypriot media reported on several upcoming discussions, including meetings with the leaders of Greece and Turkey. What implications do these diplomatic engagements have for regional relations?
SL: These dialogues are crucial. The meetings between the Greek Foreign Minister and the Turkish counterpart, for instance, signal a willingness to address long-standing issues through dialogue rather than conflict. The U.S. backing, as endorsed by President Biden during his meeting with Christodoulidis, adds weight to these talks. It’s a chance for both Greece and Turkey to work constructively towards solutions that could benefit the entire region, especially regarding the Cyprus issue.
TNE: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the significance of the U.S. recognizing the need for a fair solution to the Cyprus problem. What kind of solutions might be on the table?
SL: There are a few orthodox approaches typically discussed when it comes to Cyprus, including the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation which has been supported by the UN. However, for these discussions to progress, both sides need to move past historic grievances and focus on pragmatic solutions. The involvement of major powers like the U.S. can help facilitate this, by ensuring that conversations remain constructive and conducive to peace.
TNE: Given the historical context of the Cyprus issue, many would argue skepticism is warranted. How do you assess the potential for real progress, given the complex dynamics at play?
SL: That’s a fair point. The history of Cyprus is fraught with conflict and mistrust between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. However, the presence of the U.S. as a mediator introduces a new dynamic that could help bridge gaps. Moreover, the changing geopolitical landscapes, including the energy interests in the Mediterranean, compel both sides to consider greater cooperation.
TNE: As a final thought, what should be the next steps for Cyprus following this diplomatic visit?
SL: Cyprus must leverage this momentum to strengthen its diplomatic ties, not just with the U.S. but also within the EU and neighboring countries. A concerted effort to foster dialogue and actively participate in discussions about energy and security will be key. Ultimately, building trust will be fundamental, and that takes time and commitment from all parties involved.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Leontiou, for your insights! It will be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the coming weeks and months.
SL: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this pivotal moment in Cypriot diplomacy evolves.