The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) has called on President Joe Biden to use the remainder of his term to strengthen U.S.-Cyprus relations, proposing measures to establish Cyprus as a key NATO partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a letter to the President, AHI recommended several initiatives, including Cyprus joining NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and pursuing additional synergies through Individual Tailored Partnership Programs (ITPPs). These steps, the organization argued, would deepen Cyprus’s integration into NATO’s security architecture and enhance stability in the region.
The letter praised recent progress in U.S.-Cyprus ties, highlighting achievements such as the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue, a roadmap for bilateral defense cooperation, enhanced military collaboration, and efforts to create a maritime humanitarian corridor for Gaza.
“Mr. President, you have already worked to strengthen the critical ties between NATO allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific—we urge you to do the same in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the letter stated.
It emphasized the region’s strategic importance and warned that insufficient action against Turkey’s destabilizing behavior could embolden further aggression.
Addressing Longstanding Challenges
While commending past efforts, AHI expressed disappointment over a perceived lack of decisive action on key issues related to Turkey. The letter underscored how President Biden’s long involvement in Eastern Mediterranean affairs, dating back to his years in the Senate, had raised expectations for a stronger stance on challenges such as Turkey’s occupation of Northern Cyprus.
“After five decades, the illegal occupation of the Republic of Cyprus remains unresolved,” the letter stated, describing the occupation’s far-reaching implications for regional stability. It also argued that the issue undermines U.S. interests, including energy security, maritime safety, counterterrorism, and trade.
AHI called for a comprehensive approach, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement, respect for international law, and support for Cypriot rights in the pursuit of reunification.
Final Months as an Opportunity
The letter concluded with an appeal for bold action, urging President Biden to use his remaining months in office to address longstanding challenges in the region.
As we look to the future, we hope you will prioritize the resolution of the occupation of the Republic of Cyprus so that the nation is finally whole, free and at peace,” the letter stated. “We also hope you use your remaining days in office to counteract the destabilizing actions of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. Your final months in office present a critical opportunity to make a lasting difference, and we urge you to seize it.”
