Relations between the US and Cyprus “are at an all-time high” with both countries committed to strengthening defence, security, political and economic relations, according to President Nikos Christodoulides.
In a press release published by the Press Information Office on Monday, it highlighted Christodoulides made his remarks a day earlier during a visit at the USS Mount Whitney of the 6th US fleet, stationed at Larnaca port.
The president was escorted by US ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher.
“My presence here as well as the presence of the Americans indicate that our relations are at an all-time high, and there is political will from both governments to further strengthen our defence, security, political and economic relations,” Christodoulides said.
He added that on Tuesday he would visit Egypt and then Jordan to examine all the details regarding the maritime corridor to send humanitarian aid to Gaza so that the dispatch of humanitarian aid becomes feasible as soon as possible.
Christodoulides expressed his hope that “the situation we are witnessing will soon come to an end,” he said.
The president is set to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Both presidents will make statements around 9am following their discussion.
After his stop in Egypt, Christodoulides will leave for Jordan, where he will be welcomed by King Abdullah II at the Al Husseiniya palace and the two will have a working lunch.
During his visits to both Egypt and Jordan, Christodoulides is set to discuss the attempts being made to establish Cyprus’ initiative maritime humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, bilateral relations with both countries and ties with the EU for both countries.
When asked about his brief meeting with the secretary-general of the United Nations on the sidelines of the Dubai Climate Summit, the president said he briefed the Secretary-General on everything occurring in the buffer zone, in Ayios Dhometios, “and also generally on the approach of the occupying forces”.
“At the same time, the secretary-general officially mentioned another name, another person he intends to appoint (as his envoy for the Cyprus problem). He has informed all interested parties and is awaiting responses. Our response will be given on Monday.”
Christodoulides also elaborated on the discussion between himself and the Turkish president in Dubai, where they discussed the Cyprus problem. The president said he conveyed the need for developments, for a resolution of the Cyprus problem, and he conveyed to his Turkish counterpart that this “will help strengthen Euro-Turkish relations and in general to create those conditions in our region that will be beneficial for all states.”
Regarding the progress in discussions with Chevron, Chrstidoulides said: “We have a positive response, we have some final details to look into, but we are on the right track to proceed as planned. I welcome the fact that the same intention existed from the beginning of the discussions with Chevron.”
On her part, the US ambassador to Cyprus stated that “we enjoy the incredible cooperation between the groups of people of our countries, who work hard to bring about security and stability, especially for the citizens of the region. This is very important for us.”