UN chief to host Cyprus talks in Geneva
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host talks next week in Geneva to discuss the future of Cyprus, as opposing views on the island’s political status remain deeply divided.
The president of Cyprus reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening defense and security ties with the U.S., highlighting that his recent meeting with President Biden outlined ambitious steps for their already strong bilateral relations.
After meeting with President Joe Biden, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides declared his intention to deepen defence and security ties with the United States, calling the two countries' relationship at a "historic high."
During his first 18 months in office, Christodoulides emphasized energy initiatives and strengthening law enforcement collaboration against money laundering and sanctions evasion. The US-funded CYCLOPS center, which provides essential maritime security training to officials from neighboring nations, is a crucial component.
Christodoulides indicated that if a legislative arms ban is lifted, it may be possible to purchase weapons made in the United States. Additionally, he highlighted Cyprus's contribution to the repatriation of more than 3,600 citizens from Lebanon, establishing the island as a temporary safe haven.
The president also praised the Amalthea plan, which made it possible to send a substantial amount of aid to Gaza through a recently built sea channel. He reaffirmed Cyprus's commitment to Western principles and asked US law enforcement for help in looking into sanctions evasion linked to Russian interests.
Regarding energy cooperation, Christodoulides said he was confident that two large US corporations, ExxonMobil and Chevron, will be involved in exploring for hydrocarbons in Cyprus' offshore economic zone. Chevron is updating its development plans for the Aphrodite gas field, while ExxonMobil is set to drill two more wells in January. These developments position Cyprus to become a major gas supplier, with significant geopolitical implications.
"As we prepare to direct the first gas from Aphrodite to market, Cyprus will become a gas seller, a development that is crucial both financially and geopolitically," Christodoulides stated.
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