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Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday, marking a major milestone in U.S.-Cyprus relations and emphasizing renewed U.S. support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a solution to the Cyprus issue. The visit, seen as historic for Cyprus, underscores the country’s growing diplomatic ties with the U.S. and its strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher posted on X, "Ready for a great day in Washington":
Ready for a great day in Washington. pic.twitter.com/vLnVG8LuF1
— Julie Davis Fisher (@USAmbCy) October 30, 2024
Welcoming Christodoulides, Biden reflected on his longstanding connection to Cyprus, recalling his own 2014 visit to the island as Vice President. “There are no limits to what our nations can accomplish together,” Biden said, recognizing Cyprus’ role in recent U.S. humanitarian efforts and support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression. “This year marks 50 years since Cyprus’s division—a sad situation that we are committed to addressing with optimism.”
Further solidifying Cyprus’ partnership with the U.S., a new program was announced to allow senior Cypriot students to attend a U.S. Naval and Coast Guard officer school,
The leaders highlighted their shared commitment to a federated solution for Cyprus, as Biden reaffirmed U.S. support for a unified Cyprus under a bizonal, bicommunal framework. Christodoulides, in response, expressed hope that the U.S. will actively back efforts to resume peace talks, stating, “Cyprus has been under Turkish occupation for five decades, and we are counting on the U.S. to support a solution rooted in democracy and human rights.”
Both presidents emphasized the strong and strategic nature of Cyprus-U.S. relations, which have grown significantly in recent years, as evidenced by the recent U.S.-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue. Christodoulides described Cyprus as a “predictable and reliable partner” in the region, with close cooperation on defense, security, and regional stability initiatives. The Cypriot leader also expressed appreciation for U.S. support in addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and evacuating civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
In addition to strategic regional interests, the meeting underscored Cyprus’ significance as a European Union partner, with Christodoulides emphasizing the nation’s reliable position in the Eastern Mediterranean. Biden reciprocated by stressing his country’s readiness to support Cyprus in promoting peace and addressing long-standing regional issues.
Further solidifying Cyprus’ partnership with the U.S., a new program was announced to allow senior Cypriot students to attend a U.S. Naval and Coast Guard officer school, deepening educational and defense connections between the two nations.
Very excited to announce Cyprus’s selection to compete for admission to @NavalAcademy & @USCGAcademy for next year’s class. Academically & physically challenging, our military service academies have produced some of America’s finest leaders, including former Presidents Carter &… pic.twitter.com/KboLKrH8m6
— U.S. Embassy Cyprus (@USEmbassyCyprus) October 30, 2024
Reflecting on the historic nature of the meeting, Cypriot presidential spokesperson Konstantinos Letibiotis called it a “milestone” in Cyprus-U.S. relations, noting on social media, “This is a historic day for Cyprus, proving the substantive upgrade in our bilateral relations.”
The visit highlights both countries' growing commitment to mutual goals in diplomacy, regional stability, and the shared pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus issue.
Άφιξη @Christodulides στον @WhiteHouse για τη συνάντηση με τον πρόεδρο Μπάιντεν pic.twitter.com/DAJxhBmYL4
— Petros Kasfikis (@PetrosKas) October 30, 2024
