Senior officials from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) visited Cyprus on 13–14 July to review the country's progress towards meeting the requirements for the US Visa Waiver Programme.
The delegation, led by DHS Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans Rob Law, held talks in Nicosia with Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Theodora Constantinidou.
Discussions focused on the growing security partnership between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, with particular emphasis on strengthening border security and tackling irregular migration.
Bilateral cooperation
The meetings also highlighted ongoing bilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing the security of both countries through improved border management and information sharing.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, continued cooperation with Cyprus remains central to efforts to prevent criminals, terrorists and those seeking to commit immigration or travel fraud from crossing borders or travelling to the United States unlawfully.
The department said it would continue to assess Cyprus's progress as it considers the country's designation under the Visa Waiver Programme, adding that it looks forward to maintaining close cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus as the process moves forward.
