Christodoulides and Trump Share Messages: US Is Our Closest Ally in Security and Intelligence

Christodoulides described the potential of relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States as unlimited, calling the US the Republic of Cyprus’s “closest ally” in defence, security and intelligence.

In an interview with US-based Breitbart News, later shared by US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, Christodoulides said bilateral relations between the two countries had reached an unprecedented level.

“I have never seen Cyprus this close to America,” Christodoulides said.

Focus on Regional Cooperation

Speaking in New York, where he was attending the United Nations General Assembly, Christodoulides said one of the most important achievements of the Republic of Cyprus during its presidency of the Council of the European Union was bringing Europe closer to the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.

He said the Republic of Cyprus had worked to increase awareness within the EU of the strategic importance of the region, highlighting an informal meeting hosted in Cyprus that brought together EU leaders and leaders from countries in the region.

Christodoulides also noted the growing importance attached to defence by the EU, pointing to the €150 billion SAFE mechanism established to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.

At the same time, he said differences between Europe and the United States should never lead to a transatlantic split.

Cyprus Problem and Turkey

Commenting on the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s position as the “biggest obstacle” to a settlement.

He argued that the United States and other countries, along with Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and India, were engaged in regional cooperation, while Turkey remained outside this framework.

US Is Republic of Cyprus’ “Closest Ally”

Referring to the appointment of new US Ambassador John Breslow, Christodoulides described the United States as the Republic of Cyprus’ most important partner in trade, defence and security.

He said the two sides were working closely on the development of military infrastructure and the deepening of cooperation.

“I am pleased that today the United States is our closest ally in defence, security and intelligence,” Christodoulides said, adding that he had worked for years to strengthen bilateral relations and that the two countries had become closer than ever before.

Christodoulides said he welcomed the United States’ return to the region, particularly under the Trump administration, and said he believed the US administration fully understood the importance of the wider Middle East.

Energy Cooperation

Describing energy as an important area of cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States, Christodoulides said major energy announcements were expected in Cyprus in October and that these developments would further strengthen bilateral relations.

He said developments in the Middle East were affecting global energy supplies, making the Eastern Mediterranean increasingly important as an alternative energy source for Europe and the wider world.

Christodoulides said the Republic of Cyprus and the United States were natural allies because of their shared interests, particularly under the Trump administration. He noted that US energy companies Chevron and ExxonMobil were operating in the Republic of Cyprus’ so-called exclusive economic zone and seeking to contribute to natural gas production.

He stressed the importance of Cyprus’ efforts to contribute to Europe’s energy supply and increase Western sources of energy, pointing to the consequences of Europe’s past dependence on Russia for energy.

Defence and US Investment

Christodoulides reiterated that the United States was the Republic of Cyprus’ most important partner in trade, defence and security.

He said the two sides were working closely on the development of military infrastructure and described the United States as the Republic of Cyprus’ closest ally in defence, security and intelligence.

Christodoulides said the lifting of the US arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus had been a major turning point in bilateral relations. He expressed hope that the waiver would be renewed every five years rather than requiring annual renewal.

He also said US companies were making unprecedented levels of investment in the Republic of Cyprus, not only in defence but in other sectors as well.

Christodoulides said investment by US companies in Cyprus would provide access not only to a market of approximately one million people but also to the 450-million-person European market, while describing Cyprus as a gateway to the wider Middle East.

Christians in the Middle East and IMEC

Christodoulides said the Republic of Cyprus was working with the United States and the Trump administration to protect Christian minorities in the Middle East.

He said Christian communities were important to the stability of many Arab countries and noted that the two countries shared common interests in a number of areas, including the protection of Christians, trade, energy and other economic issues, as well as particularly in defence and security.

Christodoulides also expressed hope for progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

EU Council Presidency

Recalling that the Republic of Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union ended earlier this year, Christodoulides said its most important achievement had been bringing the region closer to the EU.

He said it had taken time and effort to explain the importance of the wider Middle East to his counterparts in the EU Council, adding that the Republic of Cyprus had hosted an informal meeting bringing together the leaders of the 27 EU member states and the heads of EU institutions with leaders from the region.

Christodoulides also highlighted the EU’s growing focus on defence, noting that €150 billion was available through the SAFE mechanism to strengthen the defence capabilities of the EU and its member states.

While acknowledging that the EU and the US may have different approaches on some issues, Christodoulides said the EU could not afford a transatlantic split.

He added that cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus covered numerous areas, including defence, energy, trade, economic development and the protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.