Cooperation between Cyprus and the US sends a strong message to all countries in the region and beyond, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday, during a meeting with Commander of the 6th Fleet of the US, Vice Admiral Jeffrey Anderson.

Christodoulides spoke of “a clear political will to do everything necessary to enhance our cooperation on all levels, especially in defence and security.”

“We face common challenges in this very important region from a geopolitical point of view and working together with like-minded countries, like the US, is not only very important for our bilateral relations, but also sends a strong message to the region, to all countries of the region and also to countries that are not in the region but are interested in our region,” the president added.

He said the situation in the region continued to be challenging and that “we need to redouble our efforts to address these challenges and create a stable environment by providing security for the countries of the region, while at the same time safeguarding our interests.”

In statements after the meeting, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the relationship between Cyprus and the US had entered a new era, especially after the signing of the strategic dialogue last summer.

He said cooperation between the two countries will continue to be enhanced.

The vice admiral, Letymbiotis said, referred to the importance of Cyprus’ role in the region.