Cyprus is more of a solution than it is a problem, asserted President Nikos Christodoulides during a speech at Rutgers University on Monday. Speaking in New Jersey, he attended a memorial for the late Greek-American businessman Nikos Mouyiaris before heading to New York for the UN General Assembly.
Christodoulides emphasised that Cyprus serves as both a physical and cultural bridge between continents, playing a crucial role in regional cooperation and stability. “In an era marked by war, terrorism, and instability, Cyprus offers unique opportunities to foster peace, cooperation, and economic integration,” he stated, highlighting the island’s strategic geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The President expressed a vision for Cyprus that transcends its historical challenges. “Our geography is an advantage and is being utilised as such in planning and exercising our foreign policy,” he noted, underscoring the shift from viewing Cyprus as a point of conflict to recognising its potential as a collaborative hub.
Christodoulides pointed out that Cyprus is not merely a civilisational fault line but an integral member of the European Union, aligned with both the UN’s Asia Pacific states and the Commonwealth. He articulated a vision where Cyprus is positioned as a gateway linking the region with both the EU and the United States, which must be built on solid ground.
“This is why Cyprus has also chosen to be an anchor of stability and security,” he continued. “Our value as a gateway derives from the confidence and trust that partners, especially the United States, place in us as a stable, reliable, predictable and secure partner.”
In his remarks, the President referred to initiatives such as the Amalthea humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza and the ‘Estia’ plan, which facilitates the safe return of EU and third country nationals from conflict zones via Cyprus.
Christodoulides also highlighted the significance of natural gas discoveries off the coast of Cyprus, stating that these findings have fostered cooperation among regional actors and attracted major energy companies like Exxon, Total, Chevron, and Eni. “Energy discoveries literally fuelled Washington’s change of perception of Cyprus,” he remarked, noting that this marked a pivotal moment where Cyprus was recognised as a solution to energy reliance on adversarial regimes.
The President reflected on the evolution of US-Cyprus relations, citing significant milestones that have occurred in recent years. Notably, Cyprus has now been authorised to purchase military hardware directly from the US government, following its participation in three defence programmes earlier this year.
In closing, Christodoulides expressed appreciation for the increasing recognition of Cyprus in historical discourse and the support from the pro-Israel community. His speech painted a picture of an island poised to play a vital role in promoting stability and cooperation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
