Kombos bolsters US relations while paving the path for Cyprus' future

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos is currently on a diplomatic tour across three American states: Washington, New York, and Chicago. His agenda is packed with crucial meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the US and Cyprus, as well as preparing for potential developments in the Cyprus issue at the UN level, notably leading up to the General Assembly session in September.

Kombos began his engagements on Monday, delivering speeches at esteemed venues such as the "Council on Foreign Relations" think tank and the AJC Global Forum conference. Over the coming days, he will also participate in the World Coordination Committee for the Cyprus Struggle (WCCC) conference and engage with the "Chicago Council on Global Affairs."

Washington | 11.06.2024

With Congressmen and Congresswomen, the leadership and organisations of PSEKA, we marked the tragic 50th Anniversary of the Turkish Invasion and occupation of Cyprus, in a symbolic candlelight vigil in front of the US Capitol Building. pic.twitter.com/waB2VXoSzt

— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) June 12, 2024

In terms of bilateral relations, Kombos will conclude his US visit next Monday with pivotal meetings in Washington, D.C. Scheduled discussions with the head of the State Department, Anthony Blinken, and the US Deputy National Security Advisor, John Finer, aim to solidify the growing ties between Nicosia and Washington. These discussions will also address key issues at both bilateral and international levels, further cementing the relationship and potentially signaling political support for Cyprus from the US. Kombos has already underscored the importance of the burgeoning US-Cypriot relations, particularly in light of recent regional developments following the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Turning to the Cyprus issue, on Friday, June 14th, the Foreign Minister will be in New York to deliver a keynote speech at the United Nations Headquarters, commemorating 60 years of UNFICYP's presence in Cyprus. The event will feature a presentation of the photo exhibition "60 Years of UNFICYP" by the Press and Information Office. Kombos will also hold discussions with the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and participate in a working lunch with permanent representatives of UN Security Council members. These engagements hold significant weight as they pave the way for forthcoming reports on the Cyprus problem and the peacekeeping force, expected from the UN Secretary-General in July. Additionally, they reaffirm Nicosia's unwavering commitment to seeking a solution to the Cyprus problem within the ongoing efforts led by the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy to overcome the negotiation deadlock. Moreover, they serve as preparatory steps for the UN General Assembly Plenary in New York in September, a forum that traditionally addresses the Cyprus issue and may witness noteworthy developments this year.

Washington D.C. is the first stop for the photographic exhibition “50 years invasion and occupation”. An exhibition that will travel the world, through the network of our Diplomatic Missions.

The photographs, from the Press and Information Office archives, are dominated by… pic.twitter.com/4FORClkiGP

— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) June 11, 2024

A pleasure to meet Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer and the House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries @RepJeffries.#US-#Cyprus relations, the Cyprus problem and CY role in the Eastern Mediterranean at the centre of our discussion. pic.twitter.com/HHHfqPvyoP

— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) June 12, 2024