The commitment of USA To promote cooperation with Greece, Cyprus and Israel as part of the ‘3+1’ figure, the US Deputy Foreign Minister underlined Michael Rigas During a speech at the 40th annual conference of World Coordination Committee of Cyprus Struggle (PSEKA) in Washington.
The Deputy Minister made a special reference to the cooperation of energy and investment, emphasizing the emphasis that the Trump government puts on economic diplomacy as a means of achieving peace and prosperity at home and abroad.
Cyprus
As far as the CyprusMichael Rigas reiterated Washington’s firm position, which supports the peaceful reunification of the island, welcoming the redefinition of the UN Secretary -General’s personal envoy. Maria Achela Olgin Kuyyar and the appointment of Johannes Han as a special envoy to Cyprus by the European Commission.
Energy Resources in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Deputy Ministers Chevron and ExxonMobil, They are investing in Cyprus, showing that they are in a practical prospect.
As he characteristically pointed out, “their investments in East Mediterranean They contribute to Europe’s energy security, deal with opponents and create regional and excellent partnerships. “
In this context, he reiterated the consistent American position on the issue that he argues that the development of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean should promote cooperation and provide the basis for constant energy security and economic prosperity throughout the region.
At a historically high level of Greece and Cyprus relations with the US
Michael Rigas stood in the fact that Washington’s links with Nicosia and Athens are in a historically high level, referring to the examples of the security sector, the financial links and the promotion of regional interests.
As for Greece, the Deputy Minister presented it as a critical part of the US’s approach in the Eastern Mediterranean. ‘The US considers Greece as an indispensable partner and key ally in NATO. The US and Greece promote our common goals through close cooperation in security, energy and commerce. Our joint efforts cover peace and stability from the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Balkans, the Black Sea, the Red Sea and beyond, reinforced by the agreement of mutual defense cooperation, “he said.
Regarding Cyprus, Mr Rigas spoke of a strong and strategic relationship that enjoys wide support in Washington. Making a historical overview, he stood in the signing of the joint statement of intentions in 2018 on his first term of office Donald Trump.
“The US-Cyprus relationship has reached a new heights led by President Trump with the signing of the 2018 Intent Declaration, which inaugurated a new era of cooperation and strengthened our coordination in the fight against terrorism, security at sea, cyber security and disaster. Since then, we have signed a second five -year defense cooperation roadmap and have begun our first bilateral strategic dialogue, an important step in formalizing communication in all areas of our cooperation, “Michael Rigas noted.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also made special reference to CYCLOPS Training Centerwhich has trained hundreds of Cypriot officials and thousands of other colleagues from 20 regional countries in border security, non -spread of weapons, cyber security and sea security.
As Mr Rigas said, “our relationship was never stronger and I am glad to see the PSEKA (World Coordination Committee) to work to ensure that Cyprus will remain at the center of political interest in Washington.”
The two cornerstone stones in US-Cyprus relationships
The US Deputy Foreign Minister described the trade and investment of the cornerstone in the US relationship with Cyprus. In this context, he welcomed his recent visit President Christodoulides In New York, Houston and Silicon Valley, which aimed to strengthen bilateral ties in this direction.
Continuing, he referred to US technology companies, such as IBM, NCR, Microsoft and Oracle, who have been active in Cyprus for decades and many of them already compete with the modernization of the network and communications technology and communications infrastructure.
“Cyprus is an attractive market for US technology companies due to research, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship support. Issues such as promoting digital transformation, utilizing artificial intelligence for developing and tackling cyberspace are vital to both American and Cypriot companies, “he added.
Concerning the investment more broadly, he praised the work of the Republic of Cyprus, saying it has shown a commitment to enhance growth and addressing issues related to its reputation.
However, he noted that the United States urges Cyprus to implement a mechanism for direct foreign investment control to ensure that investment reflects the interests of the Cypriot people without jeopardizing national security. As he said, Greece has already adopted such legislation and Washington welcomes the examination of similar legislation by the Cyprus Parliament.