Cyprus-US relations on a steady growth path

Cyprus-US bilateral relations on a wide range of issues are on a path of steady growth, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides and his US counterpart, Mike Pompeo, agreed on Monday. The two men also discussed efforts to resume settlement talks in Cyprus, aiming at a bizonal bicommunal federation.
 
According to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry, Christodoulides met today in Washington with Pompeo and the two Ministers had the chance to review the whole spectrum of Cypriot-US relations. “Acknowledging that bilateral relations on a wide range of issues are on a path of steady growth, they reconfirmed the political will of the governments of both countries towards this direction and discussed concrete ways to further enhance cooperation” it is noted.
 
On the occasion of the one-year anniversary since the signing of the statement of intent between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in the broader field of security, Christodoulides and Pompeo welcomed the progress achieved until today in implementing joint actions in the framework of the statement, in fields such as maritime security, combating terrorism, tackling drug trafficking and dual-use items, and cooperating in humanitarian operations, the announcement says.
 
They expressed at the same time satisfaction over the fact that these actions contribute in enhancing stability and security in the broader region.
 
The two Ministers also talked about the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem, focusing on efforts that are underway, aiming to resume substantive negotiations that will lead in a Cyprus settlement on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, with Christodoulides expressing hope that Ankara will display the necessary constructive attitude.

As part of their discussion about the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Christodoulides and Pompeo exchanged views about the escalation of Turkish illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus.
 
Finally, Christodoulides informed his interlocutor about progress in promoting trilateral cooperation schemes together with Greece and countries from the region, aiming to jointly address challenges and enhance regional cooperation.