Cyprus and the United States have initiated a strategic dialogue focusing on defense, security, energy, crisis management, and counterterrorism, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. The dialogue underscores the deepening ties between the two countries, with U.S. Secretary of State praising the collaboration as evidence of a strengthened partnership across various sectors.
The strategic dialogue, which includes discussions on key regional issues, is a testament to Cyprus' growing importance in the region. The Cypriot Foreign Minister emphasized that Cyprus is a reliable partner and a crucial player in addressing regional challenges.
Notably, Cyprus has joined 30 other countries in engaging in similar strategic dialogues, with 13 of them being European Union member states. The partnership between Cyprus and the U.S. has been highlighted by initiatives such as the Cyprus-Gaza maritime corridor, which facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory under strict security protocols.
Cyprus, a member of the EU since 2004, has shifted its strategic focus towards the West, particularly the U.S., in recent years. This shift comes after decades of close ties with the former Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation, with the relationship between Cyprus and Russia becoming strained following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The annual strategic dialogue, scheduled for September this year, will cover a wide range of topics, including cultural exchanges, education, and investment opportunities. Cyprus aims to address key priorities during the dialogue, such as the full lifting of the U.S. embargo on military arms sales without annual Congressional approval and the expedited development of a natural gas field off Cyprus' coast licensed to U.S. energy company Chevron.
Additionally, Cyprus seeks inclusion in the U.S. visa waiver program, as it, along with Bulgaria and Romania, remains one of the few EU member states not currently part of the program.
