Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Cyprus is offering itself as a ''natural ally'' to the United States, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos told ''K'' following his meeting at the State Department with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Speaking immediately after the session, Kombos emphasized Cyprus’ role in supporting US foreign policy in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, noting the island’s strategic location and network of regional relationships.
“This is our second meeting at the State Department in 17 months, following the president’s visit to the White House,” Kombos said. “The timing is significant, coming right after the visit of the Turkish Foreign Minister, the Syrian president’s visit to Washington, and the 3+1 energy talks in Athens. It shows the continuity, stability, and consistency of our relationship.”
A partner, not one who demands
Kombos was clear that Cyprus does not come to Washington asking for special favors or investments. “We have no demands from the US that deviate from their foreign policy. Our contribution is our position, our partnerships, and our ability to add value,” he said. “We are a reliable partner, not because the US needs us, but because every country is looking for trustworthy allies.”
Energy cooperation in focus
Energy was a major topic, with Kombos noting a growing presence of American companies in the Cypriot and Greek Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). He highlighted the synergy this creates with Israel and the broader Eastern Mediterranean energy map, pointing to a private sector-driven approach supported politically by the US.
“American policy aims at energy surplus and reducing reliance on a single source,” he said. “With a strong private sector presence, the process is simpler and political support is constant.”
Connectivity and military ties
Kombos also touched on the GSI cable project, stressing that recent political commitments now provide a framework for investment and collaboration. He noted discussions with the US on military equipment requests and the potential lifting of embargoes, emphasizing the need for predictability to support operational readiness in a sensitive region, all while Cyprus remains outside NATO.
Cyprus issue and regional priorities
On the Cyprus problem, Kombos said the US maintains a firm stance in favor of a solution. “We want immediate, substantive negotiations exclusively under the UN framework,” he said. However, he acknowledged that the US is dealing with complex regional challenges, meaning their involvement in Cyprus is part of a broader prioritization.
EU-US relations
Looking ahead to Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council presidency, Kombos said the country aims to facilitate dialogue between the US and EU on regulatory issues, investment, and technology. “The EU doesn’t have the luxury of isolationism. Our role is to enable discussion, even if we cannot control the outcomes,” he said.
Kombos’ message was clear: Cyprus seeks to be a steady, reliable partner for the US, contributing strategically in energy, defense, and regional stability, while reinforcing its role within the EU-US relationship.
