Members of Congress attend PSEKA Conference, reaffirm support for Cyprus

They emphasized the importance of democracy, regional security, energy cooperation, and the need for a peaceful and just future for Cyprus.

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander stated that “the relationship between the United States and Cyprus and Greece is stronger than ever,” describing it as one rooted in “a commitment to the democratic values ​​and freedoms that define us as peoples.”

She stressed that differences should be resolved “peacefully, on the basis of law and, whenever possible, through diplomacy,” noting that, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she sees “every day” the importance of the U.S. relationship with Cyprus and Greece.

Referring to the National Defense Authorization Act, she stressed that Congress has “an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and move it forward through this important piece of legislation.”

Regarding Cyprus, she said that after “50 years of division, the status quo is simply not acceptable,” adding that “the people of Cyprus deserve a peaceful, secure, occupation-free future.” She also stressed that Cyprus deserves “a future where human rights are respected and sovereignty is preserved.”

Representative Jim Costa also highlighted the strategic value of the partnership, saying that “the relationship between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is critical” and that “the partnership between the United States, Cyprus, and Greece is stronger today than ever.”

He said that the three countries share a commitment to “democracy, freedom, security, and the rule of law,” describing Cyprus as a “valuable strategic partner” in the Eastern Mediterranean.

He added that Cyprus is essential to “advancing peace, economic opportunity, energy, security, and regional cooperation,” while expressing support for “a future in which Cyprus is reunited, secure, and at peace.” He also stated that he stands “proudly as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Greek Affairs.”

Representative Jimmy Patronis called the U.S.-Cyprus relationship “not just a diplomatic partnership,” but “an alliance rooted in freedom and democracy.”

He praised the work of the Cypriot-American and Greek-American communities, saying that their advocacy “has educated lawmakers,” “shapes policy,” and reminds Congress that “our nation and our principles are worth defending.”

He warned that advocacy must continue, noting that the next Congress may include “up to 70 new members of the House of Representatives” who will need to understand the importance of Cyprus and the region.

He said that, thanks to the community’s efforts, “the relationship between the United States and Cyprus is much stronger than ever,” but added that “our work is not done.”

He called for continued efforts to “strengthen our defenses” and expand “economic and energy partnerships” to support “stability and security in the region.”

Representative Gregory Meeks, the minority leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed that Cyprus and Greece remain a bipartisan issue in Congress, saying their supporters have helped ensure that “there is no political issue in the United States Congress regarding Cyprus and Greece.”

He said that issues concerning Cyprus and the broader Greek diaspora have been “among my top priorities throughout my tenure in Congress.”

Meeks stressed that US foreign policy and national security are “best protected when we focus on what we can achieve together with others,” adding that the United States is “better positioned when we work with allies and partners on the international stage.”

Referring to Cyprus, he said that “more than 50 years ago” Turkish forces “invaded and continued to occupy parts” of the island, warning that instability in the region is now being exacerbated by “Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine” and “the ongoing war in the Middle East.”

He said that US-Cyprus cooperation is “more critical now than ever” to make the Mediterranean “safer and more prosperous.”

Meeks also expressed support for advancing legislation to address the limitations of the arms embargo, saying that Congress should allow U.S.-Cyprus security cooperation to “continue to grow.”

In closing, he said that members of Congress “will stand by you” and “will be your voice,” adding: “We will not stop until justice is done.”

Pat Ryan, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, said he approaches the Cyprus issue “with great humility” and comes every year to learn more from the community. He referred to “51 years” of gatherings to discuss “a grave injustice,” saying Congress must reaffirm “a true sense of identity and freedom.”

Ryan said he has supported bipartisan legislation on Cyprus, including measures on the embargo and efforts to ensure Congress does not forget “what happened 50-plus years ago.”

He stressed the importance of accompanying statements with “real action and commitment,” especially on issues of “defense and national security.”

During their speeches, the American lawmakers praised the role of PSEKA and the Greek-American and Cypriot-American communities in keeping Cyprus high on Washington’s agenda.

They also repeatedly described Cyprus as a strategic partner of the United States, stressed the importance of shared democratic values, and called for continued bipartisan action for the security, sovereignty, and reunification of Cyprus.