Solving the Cyprus problem remains our number one priority, President says
We will continue the struggle for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus, as solving the Cyprus issue is our number one priority, but we will not allow our country and our future to be seen merely as a problem, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday.
He was addressing an annual memorial and tribute event for diaspora member Nikos Mouyiaris, organized by the Elytis Chair of Modern Greek Studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
The President underlined the strong and ongoing efforts for the reunification of the island through a viable and lasting solution, as well as the diaspora’s struggles toward achieving this goal.
He added that Cyprus is often viewed solely through the prism of the Cyprus problem, and this image has kept it “hostage to History,” as writer Christopher Hitchens once wrote. The President stressed, however, that Cyprus is much more than that and in fact represents a solution to many issues.
He added that both in his previous capacities—as Diplomatic Advisor, Government Spokesman, Minister of Foreign Affairs—and now as President of the Republic of Cyprus, he has always maintained, both publicly and in meetings with mediators and counterparts, that Cyprus is more a solution than a problem.
He added that Cyprus’ geographical position is an advantage and is used as such, just as its membership in the EU and other international organizations, with a clear choice to serve as the gateway linking the region with the EU and the U.S. He noted that Cyprus is a stable, reliable, and predictable partner.
The President also stressed that Cyprus’ role in contributing to peace and stability in the region is reflected in initiatives such as Amalthea, which aims to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, as well as in the assistance Cyprus provides during times of crisis by facilitating evacuations and hosting third-country nationals.
He further referred to Cyprus’ upcoming assumption of Presidency of the Council of the EU and one of its main objectives: bringing the EU closer to the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He pointed out that the discovery of natural resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus has further strengthened the country’s role in the region, while discoveries in neighboring states have fostered regional cooperation as well as collaboration with major energy companies such as Exxon, TOTAL, Chevron, and ENI, which are active in Cyprus’ EEZ.
President Christodoulides also spoke of Cyprus’ cooperation with India and the IMEC, highlighting the enormous, unprecedented prospects that lie ahead.
Regarding bilateral relations with the United States, the President said they have never been closer, noting that they have reached a strategic level in all fields, and that they can reach even greater heights.
He emphasized the vital role played by the diaspora in the United States, making special mention of the contribution of Nikos Mouyiaris, both with respect to efforts toward a solution and to Cyprus–US relations.
