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President Nikos Christodoulides says Cyprus has never been closer to the United States—and an interview setting out that message has received a boost from Donald Trump himself.
The U.S. president shared the Breitbart News interview on Truth Social after its publication Sunday. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Christodoulides described expanding ties in defense, energy, and investment, saying “the sky is the limit” for the relationship.
For people here, the practical question is what that closer partnership could deliver: investment in businesses, progress on offshore gas, and stronger security cooperation.
Energy announcements expected
Christodoulides said major energy announcements were expected in Cyprus in early October, which he suggested would further strengthen ties with Washington. He did not specify what they would involve.
He pointed to the involvement of American energy companies Chevron and ExxonMobil in Cyprus’ offshore gas sector, arguing that Eastern Mediterranean energy has become more important as conflict disrupts supplies from the Middle East.
He also linked the search for alternative supplies to Europe’s experience following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That gives Cyprus a potential role in Europe’s energy plans. However, the interview offered no timetable for gas production or any indication of when households might see a benefit.
Closer military cooperation
The president said Cyprus was working closely with the United States to upgrade its military infrastructure, describing Washington as its closest ally in defense, security, and intelligence.
He also called for greater certainty over U.S. arms sales. Rather than requiring annual approval to maintain the lifting of restrictions, he said he wanted renewals to cover five years.
A longer approval period would make it easier for Cyprus to plan purchases and cooperation over several years.
Christodoulides praised Trump’s approach to international affairs, arguing that his boldness and the clarity of his positions gave him an advantage in negotiations. He also said he hoped to visit the White House soon.
A route into Europe and the region
The president said American investment in Cyprus was taking place on an unprecedented scale, although he provided no figures in the interview.
His pitch to U.S. businesses went beyond the island’s own market: investing here, he said, offers access to the European Union’s roughly 450 million people and a base for doing business in the wider Middle East.
For Cyprus, that could mean opportunities well beyond defense, though the impact on jobs and the wider economy will depend on which investments materialize.
Christodoulides also highlighted the proposed India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a project intended to strengthen trade and transport connections between the regions.
Cyprus issue remains an obstacle
On the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides blamed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s unwillingness to compromise for blocking a settlement. He contrasted Turkey’s position with the cooperation Cyprus has developed with countries across the region and beyond.
He also said Cyprus and the United States were working together to protect Christian minorities in the Middle East, describing those communities as important to regional stability.
Looking back on Cyprus’ EU Council presidency earlier this year, he highlighted efforts to bring the bloc closer to the Middle East, strengthen European defense, and preserve relations with Washington despite policy differences.
His message was that Cyprus wants to turn its location and partnerships into greater influence and economic opportunities at home. The next test will be what follows the promised energy announcements and the expanding American interest.
