Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
President Nikos Christodoulides kicked off the second day of the annual Cyprus Summit of The Economist with a speech full of optimism, laying out a bold vision for Cyprus: taking our location, once seen as a challenge, and turning it into a real advantage.
“We are doing the opposite, using our geographical position in a positive way to create benefits not just for us, but for other countries too,” Christodoulides told the audience. “We are turning our geographic position from a curse into a blessing.”
Christodoulides painted Cyprus as a safe, reliable hub in a turbulent neighborhood, “a safe port … a hub of connectivity with clear western orientation, a predictable and responsible partner.” He reminded everyone that Cyprus is a small state with big responsibilities, but one that is reaching out to build bridges, cooperate with neighbors like Egypt and Lebanon, and play a bigger role in the region. “Our location has shaped who we are as a people, socially and culturally, and now it can help us shape the region too,” he said.
The president highlighted how Cyprus is becoming more active internationally, what he called a “geographically extrovert” approach. From the Cyclops program, which boosts regional security coordination, to aid sent to Gaza, Cyprus is showing that even a small island can punch above its weight by being active, responsible, and outward-looking.
Christodoulides also praised the strong partnership with the United States, calling former U.S. Secretary of State & CIA Director Mike Pompeo “a friend of Cyprus” and recalling their cooperation when he served as foreign minister. He cited U.S. initiatives, including Gaza aid, evacuations in Sudan, and the Amalthea and Cyclops programs, as examples of how Cyprus can work with partners to expand its influence. “A strong EU is a strong Cyprus,” he added, noting that fighting corruption, building strong diplomacy, and working with neighbors are all key to finally restarting talks on the Cyprus problem after seven years of stagnation.
Yesterday’s summit opening featured a gala dinner with Pompeo as the main draw. In a Q&A with host John Peet, Pompeo mostly repeated familiar themes, warning about Iran and highlighting the enduring challenges in Gaza. The most notable moment came when he addressed the Cyprus issue, stressing that a solution will only happen if Turkey is willing to cooperate. Having visited Cyprus before and worked closely with its leadership, Pompeo praised the island as a reliable partner in the region.
When asked if he was planning to run for the US presidency in a few years, he answered, "Well, my wife would like me to; we need more rational people."
Christodoulides’ speech today made it clear: Cyprus is ready to step up, reach out, and turn its location into a real opportunity. Pompeo’s presence reminded everyone of the strong U.S.-Cyprus ties, but the message from Nicosia is unmistakable: Cyprus is no longer just sitting at the crossroads. It’s taking the lead, connecting, and showing the world what it can do.
