The USA and Cyprus relationship is at its best point confirmed Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a meeting in Washington, DC on November 17, 2025. Credit: US Department of State
- USA thanks Cyprus for its support in promoting regional security and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Rubio and Kombos discuss advance trans-Atlantic cooperation ahead of the upcoming presidency of Cyprus (January-June 2026) of the EU Council.
- Energy security and cooperation opportunities — particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean — were also underlined.
The United States and Cyprus appear to be entering a new phase of strategic cooperation following a high-level meeting in Washington on Monday between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. The meeting focused on energy security, defense cooperation, humanitarian coordination, and preparations ahead of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
According to the official read-out from the U.S. State Department, both sides welcomed the “strong and deepening ties” between Washington and Nicosia and emphasized a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This engagement comes at a crucial moment for Europe as it continues efforts to ensure energy independence and regional security amid global geopolitical shifts. Cyprus is expected to play a central role as it prepares to take over the EU Presidency.
Energy and Security Take Center Stage in USA-Cyprus Meeting
Energy cooperation was a central theme of the discussion, with both governments highlighting shared interest in developing infrastructure tied to natural gas, renewables, and connectivity projects in the Eastern Mediterranean. This follows growing trilateral cooperation between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece.
Rubio also underscored the strategic role Cyprus plays in maritime domain awareness and crisis response. The United States has increasingly signaled interest in defense cooperation frameworks with Nicosia.
Humanitarian and Migration Coordination in Gaza
The meeting also recognized Cyprus’ growing humanitarian role in the Middle East, including its involvement in Gaza aid logistics and regional evacuation capabilities. Rubio thanked Cyprus for its contributions and for helping coordinate migration response systems under EU and UN frameworks.
Future Cooperation: USA – Cyprus Strategic Dialogue
One of the most consequential outcomes of the meeting was agreement to explore establishing a formal U.S.–Cyprus strategic dialogue — a structured diplomatic framework typically reserved for key U.S. partners. If finalized, such a mechanism would institutionalize cooperation across sectors including defense, energy, cybersecurity, and humanitarian operations.
International experts note that the tone of the discussion and the timing ahead of Cyprus’ EU leadership role suggest Washington views Cyprus as a rising diplomatic and geopolitical stakeholder in the Mediterranean.