The U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie D. Fisher says that the relations between Cyprus and the US have reached “a historic high”. Our conversation covers various topics, including the Ambassador’s background in diplomacy, the importance of personal relationships in international relations and the summit at the White House between President Biden and the President Christodoulides. We touched on the strategic dialogue between the two nations, cooperation on security issues through initiatives like CYCLOPS, and the involvement of the FBI in assisting Cyprus with financial crimes. The Ambassador also addresses the complexities of energy security in the region, the potential for future talks regarding the Cyprus problem, and the ongoing efforts towards a visa waiver program for Cypriots traveling to the U.S.
Tuesday, 10/12/2024, 18.00 Recorded.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Professional Background and Journey:
The Ambassador shared her early career motivations and entry into diplomacy, inspired by her family’s military background and academic mentors. Her career spans postings in Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Belarus, reflecting a strong focus on European security and international relations.
- First Impressions of Cyprus:
Arriving in February 2023, the Julie Fisher highlighted the warmth of the Cypriot people and the welcoming environment, beyond the scenic beauty of the island.
Her arrival coincided with a pivotal political transition, aligning her tenure with that of President Christodoulides.
- US-Cyprus Bilateral Relations:
The Ambassador emphasized the historic high in bilateral relations, attributing them to aligned interests and the cumulative efforts of leaders and institutions over recent years.
She credited strategic dialogues and collaborative initiatives, such as the first-ever Strategic Dialogue meeting, for solidifying ties.
- Strategic Projects:
The CYCLOPS Center (Cyprus Center for Land, Open Seas, and Port Security) was discussed as a flagship example of US-Cyprus cooperation. The center focuses on countering transnational threats, including trafficking, chemical proliferation, and border security, and has trained over 2,000 officials from various countries.
- Energy Security and Regional Dynamics:
With US companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron active in Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, Ambassador Julie Fisher highlighted the importance of resource development amid environmental, political, and infrastructural challenges.
The role of Cyprus as a regional energy hub and its geopolitical implications were explored.
- Law Enforcement Collaboration:
The podcast delved into the presence of FBI advisors in Cyprus, supporting financial crime investigations and sanctions enforcement. The Ambassador stressed the importance of these partnerships in addressing institutional hurdles and enhancing transparency.
- The Cyprus Problem:
The Ambassador expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing efforts to address the Cyprus problem, emphasizing the significance of timing in seizing opportunities for progress. She noted that while the path forward is not without challenges, there is currently a “crack open”—a small but meaningful window of opportunity—that could pave the way for productive discussions under the auspices of the United Nations, potentially beginning in January.
Drawing on her engagements with stakeholders across the island, including both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the Ambassador remarked on a shared desire among the people for stability, security, and economic opportunity for themselves and future generations. This collective aspiration, she suggested, could serve as a unifying force to overcome the longstanding division.
Regarding Turkey, the Ambassador acknowledged the geopolitical complexities surrounding Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Turkey’s objections to hydrocarbon exploration. While she recognized these tensions as significant hurdles, she also highlighted the potential for energy projects to act as a catalyst for regional cooperation, provided there is political will and strategic alignment.
The Ambassador concluded this point by reiterating the importance of decisive action to leverage the current momentum, stressing that opportunities like this may not arise frequently.
- Visa Waiver Program:
Progress towards Cyprus joining the US Visa Waiver Program was highlighted as a tangible outcome of bilateral cooperation, with the Ambassador expressing confidence in the program’s eventual success.
- Personal and Cultural Engagement:
On a lighter note, the Ambassador shared her love for football and experiences attending matches across Cyprus, demonstrating her integration into Cypriot culture.
