American Ambassador hails progress in US-Cyprus ties
US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher referred to the important progress in the bilateral relationship between Cyprus and USA in the recent years, speaking during a Round Table discussion with foreign Ambassadors in the context of the 21st World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora.
The Ambassador praised the efforts of the Cyprus Diaspora towards that direction and went on with a comparison of the situation in 2018 with the situation as it exists today.
Fisher pointed out that in 2018, a state partnership program did not exist, whereas, by 2023, both countries had launched the New Jersey state partnership program between the national guards of New Jersey and Cyprus. She highlighted the current collaboration, with twelve National Guard trainers from New Jersey providing training for local police and National Guard officers.
The Ambassador also highlighted joint preparations for the evacuation of American citizens from the region, lauding Cyprus as a credible partner for such endeavours. She pointed out advancements in military education, noting that 26 personnel from Cyprus completed training in 2023, and 37 more were to finish by year-end. Additionally, 40 graduates from the George C. Marshall Center were expected by the end of the year.
Fisher mentioned the CYCLOPS training centre, which officially opened in Cyprus in April 2022, and has trained over 1500 participants from 25 countries in the region. As she said this center demonstrates US efforts to combat transnational threats.
Regarding sanctions and illicit finance, the Ambassador said that there was an incredible growth in the law enforcement cooperation between the US and the Republic of Cyprus in ways that are incredibly meaningful to the efforts to support Ukraine and to
