Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday that the ideals on which the United States was founded hold special significance for Cyprus, speaking at the American embassy’s reception in Nicosia marking 250 years since the US declaration of independence. He said the occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United States.
US founding ideals and Cyprus
Christodoulides said the declaration of independence, issued 250 years ago, set out a revolutionary vision whose influence continues to resonate beyond the United States, inspiring democratic movements and generations of leaders and citizens around the world.
He said those ideals hold particular importance for Cypriots because they continue to inspire Cyprus’ commitment to freedom, democracy and self-determination.
Strategic partnership
Christodoulides said the anniversary was also a chance to reflect on the enduring strategic partnership between Cyprus and the United States and the shared values that continue to bring the two countries closer together.
He said the partnership has undergone a profound transformation in recent years and is now marked by clear purpose and growing confidence. He added that what had once been viewed primarily through a single prism has evolved into a broad strategic partnership underpinned by shared interests and common values.
According to Christodoulides, the relationship is also characterised by a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the eastern Mediterranean and the greater Middle East.
Areas of cooperation
He said the partnership between Cyprus and the United States is gaining momentum across multiple sectors, including defence, security, energy, innovation and education.
Christodoulides also said relations enjoy strong and enduring bipartisan support in Washington, which he said reflects a shared recognition of the value and significance of the partnership and confidence in its future direction.
People-to-people ties and visa waiver goal
Christodoulides said the most important dimension of the partnership may be the growing network of human connections between the people of Cyprus and the United States, adding that strong partnerships are ultimately built by people.
He said the Cypriot government remains firmly committed to joining the US visa waiver programme, although momentum on that issue appears to have slowed amid a broader US crackdown on migration.
