Cyprus and the United States have discussed regional security, migration management, law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing during a meeting between Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki and US Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Planning Rob Law.
The two officials also discussed Cyprus' progress towards joining the US Visa Waiver Programme.
Further collaboration
According to a statement from the Deputy Minister's office, Law is visiting Cyprus as part of wider regional contacts and was accompanied by DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary John Gountanis.
The visit reflects the high level of strategic cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States, as well as the willingness of both countries to further expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest, the statement said.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Cyprus and the US and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. Discussions focused on regional security and stability, migration challenges, law enforcement cooperation, intelligence exchange and Cyprus' role as a reliable and predictable partner for the United States in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Regional developments
Piki and Law also exchanged views on regional developments and common challenges facing the European Union and the United States, stressing the importance of close coordination among like-minded countries and partners.
The officials reviewed the significant progress achieved in recent years in Cyprus-US cooperation on border security, information sharing and citizen mobility.
Regarding Cyprus' potential inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Programme, the two sides confirmed that the Republic of Cyprus has completed the required technical criteria. Further consideration of the issue will proceed in accordance with US internal procedures.
Cyber threats
The meeting also resulted in an agreement to further strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in areas including critical infrastructure security and tackling cyber threats, which are becoming increasingly important for collective security and national resilience.
Piki reaffirmed Cyprus' commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with the United States in support of security, stability and prosperity in the region.
During his visit to Cyprus, Law is also expected to meet Migration and International Protection Deputy Minister Nikolas Ioannidis, Foreign Ministry Director General Theodora Constantinidou, representatives of the Cyprus Police and other relevant government officials.
