“Cypriots can count on us to remain committed to a just and lasting peace on the island and engaged in bridging the divide between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities,” US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher said during the United States Embassy’s celebration of Independence Day.
The event took place at the University of Cyprus. Greek Cypriot Leader Nikos Christodoulides also attended the event.
“WE SUPPORT UN PERSONAL ENVOY’S EFFORTS”
In her speech Fisher highlighted the presence of UN Secretary General’s personal envoy as a key opportunity in achieving reunification on the island.
Fisher added “We support the UN Personal Envoy’s efforts because we believe, and we know, a just and lasting solution, based on the agreed Security Council framework, will benefit all Cypriots.”
“CYPRUS HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL, STABILIZING ROLE IN A TURBULENT REGION.”
The US Ambassador emphasised Cyprus’s contribution to regional stability and its function as a springboard for regional political, economic, humanitarian, and military influence. “Cyprus’ humanitarian maritime corridor, a collaborative international effort in which life-saving donations from international partners are screened in Cyprus, has so far dispatched more than 8,800 metric tons of urgently needed aid to Gaza. So yet again we see Cyprus has positioned itself as part of the solution, stepping up to assist its neighbours and promote regional stability.”
“TRAVEL BETWEEN AMERICA AND CYPRUS WILL BE EASIER”
Fisher pointed out the latest travel arrangements between Cyprus and the USA.
“I am proud of the work our teams are doing to make it easier for Cypriots and Americans to travel between our countries, and I am grateful for the progress we have made. In the process of doing so, we are enhancing the security of both of our nations” she said.
“SPORTS TEACH US LIFE LESSONS”
The event was held in the theme of the upcoming Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in France, carrying the messages of unity and sportsmanship.
Fisher highlighted the importance of sports in strengthening friendships and fostering teamwork, ”Sports teach us so many life lessons like the rewards for perseverance, as we saw when Pavlos Kontides won the first Olympic medal for Cyprus in 2012. And sports bring people of all ages and all backgrounds together, in ways that foster teamwork, a sense of discipline, and competitiveness that last a lifetime.”
A CLOSER COOPERATION IN THE FINANCIAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Christodoulides also made a speech at the event. He expressed gratitude for the partnership between the two countries and the strategic dialogue launched by Secretary of State Blinken and Foreign Minister Kombos in Washington. He recalled the development of this relationship from 2018 during his duty as foreign minister.
During his remarks Christodoulides mentioned that Cyprus is also working on expanding its economic base and strengthening its banking system, demonstrating its decisive alignment with the transatlantic consensus. He mentioned that The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice officials are collaborating with Cypriot counterparts to enhance capacity to identify and prosecute money laundering, sanctions evasion, and financial crimes.
Read the Ambassador Fishers’ full speech here
