Unlike the known and ongoing and ever-evolving volatility in the region, we witness a critical change in the geostrategic regional and global landscape. We witness a beacon of hope for a future alliance that will be provided the opportunity to shape a new security and business architecture in the region.
The bilateral strategic dialogue between the US and the Republic of Cyprus is a policy orientation with a strong strategic purpose and a firm resilience attached to it.
It will be a complete strategic agreement that, among others, will be associated with the future of the East-Mediterranean region and the wider Middle East.
We are witnessing the completion of the first round of negotiations: a first and ever-evolving strategic relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America.
It is a critical and positive consequence of blending needs and options.
The need for Cyprus to continue its Western progressive adoption of ethics and values and, among others, the various strategic and geopolitical opportunities that are upon us. Opportunities that have been revealed are a result of the various challenges and options,as the regional geostrategic landscape is changing. New alliances are in the making. New regional balances are currently shaping. And it is a fine time for the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the USA to clearly shape a new form of alliance that is in the making.
The wider strategic focus is indeed concentrated in the East Mediterranean and the Middle East. US-Cyprus relations are heading towards a uniqueness in their approach, use and utility in the region.
Bilateral strategic agreements are a strategic option with a depth in time and essence. It nevertheless does require strong resilience and continuity in a changing strategic landscape internal and regional.
We are at a unique strategic opportunity to shape the future of regional and international security.
The strategic focus on Cyprus is centered around the unique strategic location and trade options but also the resolve for deep engagement with Western institutions in the long term. Among others are security, strategy, defense, trade and technology, health and tourism, transport and investments, technology and energy sources, and logistical opportunities that will satisfy needs and development.
Volatility and instability have been the main characteristics over the last few years regionally and globally. The unlawful invasion of Russia in Ukraine made it clear that the path of Cyprus stands with the West, historically and as a political option. Any unlawful occupation is an occupation. While Cyprus and Russia share joint cultural and religious ties, strategic realities and ethics on peace versus war cannot be tolerated.
Regionally, the terror attacks of Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi, and their affiliates against Israel, make it clear that Cyprus remains volatile against any terror threats. At the same time, Cyprus’ resolve to play a pivotal role in negotiations, mediation, and humanitarian situations, among others, has a clear resolve.
Cyprus is not directly involved in war situations. But this does not mean it is not negatively influenced by it.
The Republic of Cyprus offered its regional support straight away. Humanitarian in nature, without forgetting its strategic relationship with the State of Israel.
Humanitarian relief process and civil defense processes are risk mediation approaches.
This may be the new identity of Cyprus in foreign, defense and civil defense approaches: to be identified as a security business management country of the region. Providing an opportunity to become a negotiator and a mediator through an international framework of negotiations. It is its proximity to the endangered regions that make Cyprus a pivotal state. Political resolve should be continued, and it does require Cyprus to be strategically positioned in a framework and process as required by the international community and strategic allies such as the USA, Israel, and other strategic partners in the Arab Gulf region, namely the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan and the state of Egypt.
In projection towards the future, Cyprus lays the foundations for a strong US-Cyprus relationship that will become a pivot to an ever stronger and more practical relationship. One that will require foundational and institutional changes, training, and a new security approach through an understanding that the landscape needs to become safe and secure, stable through extensive uses of both human capital, technology, and direct communication links.
Various war situations that have developed over the last years have projected the need for a strong and decisive stance. And Cyprus is pivoting towards this end.
An end that meets the needs and demands for a long-lasting collaboration on security. One security that may offer solutions and prosperity. The bilateral security agreement will reflect parts of the field needs of the future of a joint alliance for the East Med and Middle East, which we consider to be in the making. It is not a new phenomenon or attempt, but volatility has left this option open-ended without a specialized timeframe or management.
Cyprus is genuinely at a crossroads of civilizations. And its international culture and experience, is what is required.
Through various processes, upgraded establishments, and institutions that meet needs and requirements, the Republic of Cyprus can hope for a strong alliance in the making, provided the opportunity to establish its international specialized identity, with transitional milestones within the state in all fields of trade, business, policy, and orientation. A synchronization of efforts is thus required. Embracing opportunities, technology, and R&D in all current and non-traditional fields that Cyprus has not been acquainted with so far.
Strategically pointing at the broader Middle East and MENA region, Cyprus is located in the southern point of the European Union. An equal member of the European Union, which remains nevertheless to be united with its occupied part, and which is sharing its vision of a European framework of a truly Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Now, it is on the way to a transatlantic vision.
A vision of perseverance in security and peace, strengthening international security and cooperation, and establishing a new market orientation that has yet to be seen.
Cyprus is a credible European and Euro-Atlantic partner in the making, standing on a solid footing with a standing option to further enhance its foothold in the international arena.
It is best placed in furthering policies of partnership, security, cooperation, business, and investment in an area where many interests lay.
