On this evening of togetherness, we gather on the grounds of an institution that is a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and excellence. And against that backdrop we celebrate all that the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America (USA) means to us all: Freedom; Courage; The enduring strength of democracy; The land of infinite opportunity; The dream that continues to inspire.

And so tonight, on this evening, we celebrate the promise and unlimited potential of the bond between Cyprus and the USA, and the unprecedented opportunities of this moment for the future of Cyprus-United States (US) relations.

Ours is a bond that grows stronger and stronger, that holds remarkable promise.

Dear Julie,

You have been an integral part of the remarkable progress we have achieved in our relations over the last two years. We are thrilled to welcome you back to Cyprus, at a time when you serve your country and advance our shared priorities both here and in Ukraine – a country that, like Cyprus, is yearning and striving for peace and to end the consequences of invasion and occupation.

Thank you, Ambassador Davis, for continuing to advance and champion Cyprus-US relations in key areas of cooperation, no matter where you are.

You know well that Cypriots honour the US’ pivotal contribution in shaping a safer, more secure, more peaceful world. From the US leadership and sacrifices during the two World Wars to foster peace in Europe and beyond, to the Abraham Accords, to recent breakthroughs, such as the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, to the US’ remarkable achievements in technology, science, economy, space, and innovation, which continue to inspire and shape the world.

The partnership between Cyprus and the US is built on a bedrock of trust, shared values, and common purpose. And it is one of strategic choice and depth.

Amid geopolitical turmoil and shift, Cyprus stands in the Eastern Mediterranean, a stable democracy, a predictable ally, a European Union (EU) member state that is an integral part of this region, and an enabler of stability and security.

We are a reliable strategic partner for the US. In the recent crisis in the region of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus, as it has done in the past, played its role as a safe harbour assisting with departures of American and other citizens. A bridge to safety. Just as we did following the October 7th terrorist attacks, when we worked side by side with US – opening our ports and airports to provide safe passage for Americans, while working together to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Cyprus is and will always be part of the solution in this geostrategically important, very complex region. We will continue working with the US to promote stability, peace, and prosperity in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and in Europe, always through dialogue and diplomacy.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning that the Centre for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS) has trained over 2,000 officials from Cyprus and over 20 other nations in the immediate region and beyond. Making us more secure through cooperation.

As of day one in office, I made strengthening this partnership a core priority, focusing on tangible deliverables. So much remarkable work has been done, and yet I am convinced the best rests ahead of us and awaits to be realised. Together, we are making history. And I want to underline “together”, because, beyond the excellent work of the US Ambassador, who has been a true driving force in this effort, there are many more people both here and also in the US that believe, just like I do, that when it comes to the US-Cyprus relations, the sky is truly the limit. And tonight, I also want to thank them for sharing this vision with me, with us.

Over the past year, we have reached new milestones in the US-Cyprus relations:

Last October, we launched the Cyprus-US Strategic Dialogue in Lefkosia, which set a clear roadmap on which the Foreign Ministers are working with determination.

A few days later, the first official visit by a Cypriot President in nearly 30 years took place in the White House.

In January, the US Presidential Determination enabled Cyprus to participate in three US security assistance programs; a major leap for our defence and security cooperation.

In April, I returned to the US to boost economic ties – to tell the world Cyprus is open for business, innovation, and investment. We have since welcomed American businesses to Cyprus.

I am a strong believer that beyond cooperation at the political, defence, and security level, economic and commercial cooperation lie at the heart of a thriving relationship.

In 2023, we launched the State Partnership Program with the New Jersey National Guard in Cyprus. This is such a valuable partnership and now, at times of crisis management and disaster response, it is clearer than ever. It enables us to tackle crisis together, makes us more secure and more resilient.

And let me just say that New Jersey is personal to me. I have family there and it is close to heart. It is appropriate the great state of New Jersey inspired tonight’s festivities – as the state motto proclaims – today is about “liberty and prosperity”.

Our partnership lives and breathes through our people.

Thousands of Cypriots, like myself, have studied in the US, returning home driven by innovation, by global awareness, by the belief that one person can make a difference.

Others, including members of my own family, have made America their home, enriching American society while remaining deeply connected to their Cypriot roots.

These are the living bridges between our countries. They stand as proof of our shared spirit – bold, resilient, united.

The enduring and robust friendship between our two countries, the growing business engagements between Cyprus and the US, the strengthened people-to-people connections, and our close security collaboration, especially in the last two years, have led our work on making it easier for Cypriots to travel to the US – this is also an area where positive news is at hand. Visa waiver matters for our citizens, our economies, and our shared security. We are working hard together to get it done.

As we celebrate this year’s 4th of July, we are reminded of the universal importance of freedom and equality. The right to live with dignity, always in peace.

It is the guiding vision that drives efforts to reunite Cyprus – to end the over five-decade occupation by Turkey on European territory.

The call for peace from Cyprus is not different to the call for peace coming from other nations that experience the trauma of violation of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence.

Reunification, peace in Cyprus would be nothing short of transformative for the country and its people, for the region, for Europe. And reunited Cyprus must be able to remain an independent, stable strategic partner, and enabler of security in the region.

Tonight, as we celebrate America’s independence, we celebrate more than history. We celebrate courage, unity, partnership. The enduring friendship between Cyprus and the US. A strategic partnership propelled by a common vision for stability, security, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Cyprus will remain a trusted US partner – a proud democracy, a bridge between continents, a force for good in a complex world. Together, we will keep building. Together, we will keep delivering, making breakthroughs, reaching new heights.

Dear Julie,

Thank you for your tireless work and for this beautiful celebration.

Please join me in raising a glass – to freedom, to peace, and to the unbreakable bond of friendship and promise between Cyprus and the US.

Happy Independence Day!

(RM/KA/GS)