Biden reaffirms US support for bizonal, bicommunal federation

The presidents of the US and Russia congratulated Cyprus on its 61st independence anniversary and conveyed their support for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Both Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, in separate letters, congratulated President Nicos Anastasiades for Cyprus’ Independence Anniversary, marked on October 1.

According to Anastasiades’ office, Biden expresses his warm congratulations to the Republic, noting that he fondly remembers his visit to Cyprus as Vice President of the United States in 2014.

He also noted that the United States deeply appreciates the cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus “and the role that your country plays in promoting stability, security and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean region.”

Biden said he continues to monitor developments in Cyprus and the region and looks forward to continuing to strengthen and expand the two countries’ bilateral relations, as well as their security cooperation over the next year.

He also said that as reaffirmed by the UN Security Council this summer, the US continues to support a UN-sponsored Cypriot-owned settlement of the Cyprus problem that will reunite the island into a bi-zonal bi-communal federation that will be beneficial for all Cypriots, as well as for the wider region.

Biden thanked Anastasiades for his friendship.

Putin’s letter was delivered to Anastasiades by Russian Ambassador Stanislav Osadchiy on Thursday.

Putin gave reassurances that Russia will continue to support Anastasiades’ efforts to reach a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem. A solution which, he said, will help boost peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Russian president also noted that relations between the two countries have been based on friendship and mutual respect, and expressed confidence that the existing constructive cooperation between Russia and Cyprus will be developed in areas of common interest for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

Finally, the Russian President expressed his special appreciation to Anastasiades for his personal contribution to the strengthening of relations between the two countries, while wishing the Cypriot people continued progress and prosperity.