Kombos Holds High-Level Talks in Washington on Cyprus–US Relations

Foreign Minister’s meetings focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments in the Middle East and priorities linked to Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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Cyprus’ Foreign Minister held a series of high-level meetings in Washington, where discussions centred on strengthening Cyprus–United States relations, developments in the Middle East and the wider region, and the priorities of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU. The contacts included engagements with senior members of the US Congress and participation in policy discussions at leading international forums.

Meetings with US Senate leadership

According to posts published on X, Constantinos Kombos met with the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, Jerry Moran. The discussions focused on deepening the Cyprus–US partnership, shared transatlantic priorities and the importance of strong bipartisan engagement on Cyprus within the US Congress.

The Foreign Minister also met with the Chair of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Roger Wicker, with talks addressing ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. In a statement, Kombos referred to the strong bipartisan congressional support for Cyprus as a strategic US partner and for initiatives that enhance security, regional stability and transatlantic cooperation.

Engagements with Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Kombos also held meetings with the Chair of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, and the Ranking Member of the Committee, Jeanne Shaheen. According to his posts, the meetings reaffirmed the strong bilateral partnership, included an exchange of views on developments in the Middle East and the wider region, and addressed ways to advance the transatlantic relationship during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Contacts with US House leadership

While in Washington, the Foreign Minister also met with Brian Mast, Chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. Their discussions covered developments in the Middle East, the Cyprus–US strategic partnership and efforts aimed at fostering regional peace and stability.

Encounters and international diplomacy

In one of his posts, Kombos also referred to a brief encounter with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, whom he congratulated on the US–India trade deal and the EU–India free trade agreement, describing the outcomes as the result of effective diplomacy.

Participation in policy forums and discussions

During his visit, Kombos took part in a discussion organised by the Arab Gulf States Institute titled “Cyprus and the Region: EU & Broader Perspectives”. The discussion focused on Cyprus’ relations with the Middle East, transatlantic ties and the priorities of the Council of the EU.

He also participated in a panel discussion at the American Enterprise Institute on “Bridging the Middle East and Europe during Cyprus’ EU Presidency”.

Delphi Economic Forum roundtable

The Foreign Minister further participated in the Delphi Economic Forum roundtable on “The India–Middle East Corridor (IMEC) and the New Geo-Economic Order”. In his remarks, Kombos noted that one month into Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency, the timing was appropriate to advance connectivity prospects and resilience through strategic partnerships, adding that promoting IMEC is a key element of this effort.

He also stated that Cyprus’ geographical position and its status as an EU Member State provide a unique vantage point to translate cooperation into tangible outcomes, contributing European and transatlantic value to shared prosperity through corridors of cooperation that support peace and stability.

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