Deputy Minister to the President Ms. Irini Piki met today with the Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Planning at the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mr. Rob Law, who is visiting Cyprus as part of a series of meetings in the wider region, accompanied by DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Mr. John Gountanis.

Mr. Law’s visit to Cyprus reflects the high level of strategic cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States, as well as the two countries’ commitment to further expanding their cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

During the meeting, the exceptional nature of the relations between Cyprus and the United States was emphasized, as well as the shared commitment to further strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on issues of regional security and stability, managing migration challenges, cooperation in the areas of law enforcement and information sharing, as well as Cyprus’s broader contribution as a reliable and predictable partner of the United States in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In this context, Ms. Piki and Mr. Law discussed regional developments and the common challenges facing the European Union and the United States, emphasizing the importance of close coordination among like-minded countries and partners. At the same time, they reviewed the significant progress achieved in recent years in the context of Cyprus–U.S. cooperation on border security, information sharing, and citizen mobility. Regarding the prospect of the Republic of Cyprus joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, it was reaffirmed that Cyprus has met the required technical criteria, while further consideration of the matter will take place in accordance with U.S. internal procedures. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing this cooperation within the framework of the broader strategic relationship between Cyprus and the United States.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation and the exchange of expertise in areas such as critical infrastructure security and countering cyber threats, which are becoming increasingly important for the collective security and resilience of nations.

Ms. Piki expressed the Republic of Cyprus’s commitment to further deepening strategic cooperation with the United States for the benefit of security, stability, and prosperity in the region.

During his stay in Cyprus, Mr. Law will also hold meetings with the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Mr. Nikolaos Ioannidis, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Theodora Konstantinidou, representatives of the Cyprus Police, and other relevant government officials.