President Nikos Christodoulides has described the United States as Cyprus’ “closest ally”, saying Cyprus-US relations are at their highest level ever.
In an extensive interview with Breitbart News on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Christodoulides discussed ties with Washington, US President Donald Trump, defence cooperation, the Cyprus problem and Turkey’s role in the region.
The interview was also reposted by Trump’s Truth Social account.
Christodoulides recalled that when he joined Cyprus’ diplomatic service in 1999, the Cyprus problem was essentially the only major issue on the Nicosia-Washington agenda.
Today, he said, the relationship has changed significantly.
“I am very happy today that the United States is our closest ally: defence, security, intelligence,” he said, also pointing to US investments in Cyprus.
Describing the prospects for bilateral ties, Christodoulides used the phrase “the sky is the limit”, saying the relationship is now at its strongest point.
Cyprus and US discuss military infrastructure
Christodoulides also highlighted closer defence cooperation between Cyprus and the United States.
He said Nicosia and Washington are working closely on upgrading military infrastructure in Cyprus, describing the issue as one of the areas of cooperation with the US administration.
The President said the issue was also discussed with the new US Ambassador to Cyprus.
He also referred to the EU’s SAFE defence financing instrument and the €150 billion available to strengthen the defence capabilities of the bloc and its member states. According to Christodoulides, Cyprus is expected to benefit from €1.2 billion to strengthen its defence capabilities.
Christodoulides highlights Trump’s negotiating style
The President also spoke about Donald Trump, describing what he sees as a “unique advantage” in the US President’s approach to international negotiations.
Christodoulides said that whether one agrees or disagrees with Trump, it is clear where he stands.
He argued that this creates the conditions for the two sides to sit at the same table, discuss even difficult issues and seek solutions.
Christodoulides also said Europe cannot afford a transatlantic rupture with the United States.
Turkey remains key obstacle to Cyprus settlement
Christodoulides was particularly critical of Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He described Erdogan as the “big obstacle” to a Cyprus settlement because of his insistence on a two-state solution and an arrangement outside the UN framework.
Referring to Erdogan’s speech at the UN General Assembly, Christodoulides called it “hypocritical” to hear the Turkish President speak about the UN Charter, international law, refugees and occupation.
He also referred to what he described as a “new Ottoman approach” by Ankara, arguing that Turkey is seeking to present itself as a protector of the Arab and Muslim world.
Regional cooperation excludes Turkey
According to Christodoulides, a network of cooperation has developed among countries in the wider region that share common interests and approaches.
He listed Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and India, while highlighting the supportive role of the United States.
Christodoulides said Turkey is the only country outside this regional cooperation framework, attributing this to Ankara’s actions towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states.
‘We need the US in the region’
The President also welcomed the stronger US presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.
He warned that a US withdrawal or reduced engagement would create a vacuum that could be filled by what he described as “malign actors”.
In this context, he linked the relations not only to defence and security but also to energy, noting the presence of major US energy companies operating in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
Christodoulides’ comments place Washington openly at the centre of Nicosia’s strategic approach to defence, security, energy and the wider geopolitical architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Also read: US Ambassador: US will protect Cyprus in the future
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