The messages sent by Wednesday’s meeting at the White House between President Nikos Christodoulides and US President Joe Biden underscored an upgraded role for Cyprus, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday.
Diplomatic sources echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the timing of the meeting’s announcement on Turkey’s national day was intentional and may contribute to a shift in the Turkish stance on the Cyprus problem.
The sources noted it would not be surprising if the American ambassador in Turkey were summoned for an explanation.
Letymbiotis described both the invitation and the meeting itself as a “historic milestone,” highlighting that the US views Cyprus as a reliable ally with a clear foreign policy. He emphasised that the meeting was the culmination of various initiatives by the Republic of Cyprus, carrying “significant symbolism and a clear message.”
This was the first time in 28 years that a Cypriot president had been invited to the White House. Letymbiotis referenced Cyprus’ positions on issues such as sanctions on Russia, anti-money laundering efforts, humanitarian aid for Gaza, assistance to evacuees from the Middle East, investments, energy, defense, security, technology, and the visa waiver programme.
He further pointed out that the strategic dialogue between Cyprus and the US is a privilege shared by few countries.
On the Cyprus issue, Letymbiotis said Biden reaffirmed his support for a resolution, which could act as a catalyst for other unresolved issues in the region. Biden, he added, has developed a “deep understanding” of the Cyprus problem.
The spokesman also referred to the EU’s progress report on Turkey, saying that progress in Cyprus talks could facilitate Turkey’s EU accession bid.
“Cyprus is Europe, and Europe is Cyprus,” he added, stressing that the Cyprus issue is a European issue and that the EU must play a decisive role.
The meeting with Biden was not focused entirely on the Cyprus problem, but the role Cyprus can play in the broader region.
“This doesn’t mean the Cyprus problem has been sidelined; rather, it shows that Cyprus now has the capacity to engage in a range of regional issues,” the sources stated. Cyprus, they added, is not seeking to “match Turkey’s power” but is establishing itself on its own merits.
With the US elections just round the corner, the sources said a change in the administration meant a huge shift, which affected the whole planet, not just Cyprus, and was not necessarily a bad thing.
“A fundamental pylon of US foreign and security policy is Israel. Another such pylon is the Gulf countries. These two elements create a favourable area in which we can move,” the sources said.
They added that Cyprus’ interlocutor was the holder of the office, who at the moment is Joe Biden.
What Cyprus had to do was “fortify its position in this relationship”.
The sources were not in a position to say what one should expect in the Cyprus problem, as this was “up to the United Nations”.
Cyprus, they said, has sent a letter to the UN asking for the process to move forward as fast as possible.
The sources reported “some optimism” for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon but pointed out that Cyprus was not directly involved and could not know the details.
On his return journey to Cyprus, Christodoulides made a stop in Athens, where he met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Letymbiotis reaffirmed the close ties between Athens and Nicosia, stating that the two leaders discussed their objectives for the second intergovernmental conference, scheduled for November 27 in Nicosia.
Asked what would happen with the lifting of the US arms embargo against Cyprus, Letymbiotis said this was indeed an “injustice” and it was up to Congress to make decisions. He added that the US was examining extending the lifting of the embargo from one year to three.
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