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President Nicos Christodoulides recently met with U.S. President Joe Biden in a historic visit to the White House, marking a new chapter in Cyprus’ foreign policy as it turns toward the West, according to a report by Yiannis Ioannou in this Sunday's Kathimerini. The meeting, only the third such invitation for a Cypriot leader, reflects a shift in Cyprus’ foreign stance away from longstanding ties with Russia and a stronger alignment with Western interests, especially in light of global tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Growing Ties with the U.S.
These developments highlight Washington’s intent to make Cyprus a long-term ally, possibly leading to a permanent U.S. naval presence on the island.
Since 2022, Cyprus has strengthened its partnership with the United States, ending Russian Navy docking privileges in Limassol and developing strategic cooperation with Washington. The lifting of a decades-old U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus also signaled closer defense ties, and Cyprus is now participating in U.S. military training programs, with Cypriot National Guard officers attending American training academies. These moves signal America’s interest in Cyprus as a significant partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Practical Benefits: Visas, Training, and Trade
The White House visit also underscored several practical benefits for Cyprus, including advancements in visa liberalization for Cypriot citizens and expanded co-training for Cypriot military personnel. Cyprus and the U.S. are also deepening collaboration in areas like foreign investment, trade, and anti-corruption efforts, as Cypriot authorities work with the FBI on international crime issues. These developments highlight Washington’s intent to make Cyprus a long-term ally, possibly leading to a permanent U.S. naval presence on the island.
Cyprus’ Evolving Stance and Ties with Russia
This pivot toward the West has not been without complications. Cyprus’ economy has historically benefited from extensive Russian investment, and the island was long seen as a financial haven for Russian citizens. While Cyprus is distancing itself from Russia, these economic ties remain, as the country manages the remnants of a nearly 40-year-old economic relationship with Russian nationals.
White House Signals on the Cyprus Problem
The diplomatic visit also included a clear statement from Biden on resolving the Cyprus issue, with the White House emphasizing support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation as a solution, a stance at odds with Turkey’s position. This language was a careful but significant indication of U.S. support for Cyprus in its ongoing dispute with Turkey, a critical issue for NATO stability. While the U.S. cannot solve the Cyprus problem alone, Biden’s statement has drawn attention to America’s desire for resolution within a framework that respects Cypriot sovereignty.
The meeting between Christodoulides and Biden not only marked a new phase in U.S.-Cypriot relations but also underscored Cyprus’ shift toward the West, even as it balances longstanding economic and political ties with Russia.
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