Apostolos Tomaras
The power of imagery may have, in some cases, overshadowed the invitation to the Oval Office, but Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides’ meeting with outgoing U.S. President Joseph Biden was nonetheless substantive. While the American side did not introduce anything new on the Cyprus problem, Biden’s affirmation that "the U.S. supports a bizonal, bicommunal federation solution for Cyprus" is a significant takeaway from Christodoulides' visit to Washington. Biden’s endorsement is timely, as there are hints of renewed negotiations on Cyprus and Turkey remains isolated, resisting international frameworks set by the U.N. and the U.S.
Beyond the Cyprus issue, the meeting addressed a range of other topics that underscore a new era in Cypriot-American relations, a shift brought about by what President Christodoulides described as a carefully developed policy. This approach, initiated under former Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, has been carried through with consistency. Cyprus, as the southeastern frontier of the Western world, has adjusted its stance to better align with U.S. and EU interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. While Cyprus is not on par with Israel as a U.S. ally, this policy shift benefits both Cyprus and its Western allies. Although American or French forces won’t be fighting on Cyprus’s behalf, the temporary stationing of their personnel on the island sends a strong message about the strengthening of military and diplomatic cooperation.
Additionally, the extension of the CYCLOPS agreement, aimed at combating smuggling and terrorism, illustrates Cyprus’s growing role as a regional security partner for the U.S. The lifting of the arms embargo has not yet opened up the U.S. defense market to Cyprus, but it serves as a diplomatic reward, reflecting U.S. confidence in Cyprus’s commitment. Much like Greece, Cyprus is increasingly seen by the U.S. as a second line of Western defense in the region, aligning with U.S. interests while maintaining open dialogue with countries not allied with the West. Recent events in Israel highlighted Cyprus’s strategic value, acknowledged by the White House invitation extended to Christodoulides. Those clinging to an outdated view of neutrality should note that Cyprus’s “skillful neutrality,” as described by Kasoulides, is now firmly a part of the past. Cyprus is committed to the Western alliance and is set to remain there.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
