Cyprus seeks to strengthen its role as a bridge between Europe and its partners in the Middle East and beyond, while deepening its strategic and economic relationship with the United States, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou, who also described transatlantic cooperation as a strategic priority for the Republic of Cyprus.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, at the annual conference of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cyprus (AmCham Cyprus) in Nicosia, Mr. Ioannou stated that “Europe’s security and prosperity depend on reliable connections and strong partnerships.”
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He described the strengthening of transatlantic relations as a “clear strategic priority” for Cyprus, which is grounded in democracy, the rule of law, and respect for international law.
As he noted, Europe and the United States share significant common interests in the areas of energy security, innovation, defense, and economic resilience.
“Together, we must protect critical infrastructure, diversify supply chains, and strengthen our ability to respond to disruptions,” he said, adding that a stronger and more capable Europe could contribute more effectively to common security, while also creating opportunities for transatlantic research and industrial cooperation.
Referring to bilateral relations, he said that the Cyprus-U.S. Strategic Dialogue provides a structured framework for promoting cooperation in the areas of security, crisis management, energy, trade, investment, and education. He added that the goal is to translate this relationship into stronger trade ties and tangible results.
Highlighting Cyprus’s role in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Ioannou noted that, as an EU member state in the region, the Republic of Cyprus seeks to connect Europe with partners throughout the Middle East and beyond.
“Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East directly affect Europe’s security and prosperity,” he said, emphasizing that European engagement in its southern neighborhood must be sustained and that regional perspectives should be taken into account in shaping the common European response.
He also referred to Cyprus’s contribution to the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones and to humanitarian cooperation through the “Amalthea” maritime corridor. As he noted, these efforts demonstrate how reliable infrastructure and effective coordination can provide security and assistance when they are most needed.
Regarding regional connectivity, Mr. Ioannou said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) offers opportunities for trade, supply chain management, and investment, with Cyprus able to contribute its shipping expertise, professional services, regional partnerships, and access to the EU Single Market.
He noted that the success of this endeavor requires sustainable projects, coordination of regulatory frameworks, and cooperation between governments and businesses, with the support of frameworks such as the “3+1” cooperation between Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States.
“Our goal is to develop interconnections that yield mutual benefits and offer partners a lasting stake in regional stability,” he said, adding that individual investments require careful planning so that they contribute to the creation of an effective and resilient broader network.
Energy, he said, is at the heart of this vision, with transatlantic trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the resources of the Eastern Mediterranean supporting Europe’s efforts to diversify its supply sources. The participation of U.S. companies in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone demonstrates, as he noted, the importance of energy cooperation.
At the same time, investments in renewable energy sources, energy storage, power interconnections, and energy efficiency can enhance resilience and support the green transition. These projects, he emphasized, must be based on “sound technical assessment, reliable financing, and environmental responsibility,” with full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Minister also referred to the growing importance of digital connectivity, noting that secure communications and reliable data infrastructure are increasingly influencing investment and economic growth.
He emphasized that cooperation on cybersecurity, maritime security, and defense technologies is essential for protecting these interconnections, citing as an example the CYCLOPS Training Center in Larnaca, which, he said, demonstrates how the exchange of expertise can strengthen regional readiness and professional relationships.
Referring to investments, he said that turning Cyprus’s strategic goals into results requires close cooperation between the government and the business community.
“Investor confidence depends on transparent procedures, effective regulation, and efficient public services,” he noted.
He also presented the Government’s Strategy for Attracting Investment and Talent for the period 2027–2030, which is based on the objectives “Attract, Retain, Expand, and Connect.” The strategy, he said, aims to attract new investors and talent, retain those who have already settled in Cyprus, supporting their expansion, and strengthening their ties with the Cypriot economy.
Describing AmCham Cyprus as a valuable partner in strengthening economic relations between the two countries, Mr. Ioannou said that these ties reinforce a broader strategic partnership, which is based on shared values and interests in the areas of security, stability, and prosperity.
On behalf of the President of the Republic, he reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to “strong transatlantic relations, a Europe with global connections, and a secure and prosperous Eastern Mediterranean.”
AmCham: Aiming to Expand Business Opportunities
The President of AmCham Cyprus, Marios Kapiris, stated that the Chamber’s key priorities include strengthening economic and business ties between Cyprus and the United States, attracting further investment, and promoting cooperation in sectors such as energy and technology.
He said that the ever-increasing interconnection of economies and the growing ties between trade, investment, energy, technology, and infrastructure make strong and reliable international partnerships more important than ever.
Mr. Kapiris noted that AmCham Cyprus, which is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding in 1996, has evolved into the country’s most important business association, representing more than 100 major U.S. companies and businesses with U.S. ownership.
He described the Chamber as a platform for dialogue among businesses, policymakers, and international partners, with a mission to strengthen economic, business, and cultural ties between Cyprus and the United States, as well as promoting a business-friendly environment that attracts U.S. investment and encourages innovation.
He also highlighted his contribution to the Comprehensive Cyprus-U.S. Strategy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy, as well as his efforts to promote reforms that enhance transparency, legal standards, and competitiveness.
Among the Chamber’s priority sectors, Mr. Kapiris cited energy, digital technologies, sustainability, oil and natural gas, green technologies, health, and education.
CCCI: Tangible Results Sought from Partnerships
The President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), Stavros Stavrou, stated that relations between Cyprus and the United States are at their strongest, both diplomatically and commercially, emphasizing the need for this closer cooperation to translate into investments and tangible economic benefits.
He described the conference as an important bridge between the political and business worlds, noting that connectivity is not just about infrastructure, but also about forging relationships, building trust, and creating the conditions that allow businesses to invest, innovate, and expand beyond borders.
Mr. Stavrou said that Cyprus must capitalize on its international business orientation and its outward-looking private sector in order to remain competitive and attractive to foreign investors. This, he noted, requires ongoing investment in infrastructure, energy capabilities, digital readiness, and international connectivity, alongside a predictable and business-friendly regulatory framework.
He also highlighted the opportunities offered by closer economic cooperation between Europe and the United States to promote innovation, investment, energy security, technological development, and economic resilience, as well as for strengthening partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
However, he warned that these opportunities will not be realized solely because of Cyprus’s geographic location, emphasizing that a strategy, investments, and cooperation between the government and the private sector are required.
“The true test of strategic partnerships is ultimately whether they produce tangible results: new investments, stronger businesses, quality jobs, innovation, and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The conference was attended by policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, and experts from Cyprus and abroad, including representatives of the American Chambers of Commerce in Jordan and Luxembourg, with a focus on transatlantic cooperation and investment opportunities.
