Cyprus Receives Vice President Biden Today

Biden's trip to Cyprus marks the highest ranking U.S. official to travel to the nation, since Lyndon Johnson in 1962.  The U.S. Vice President is predicted to offer his support for a Cypriot solution and assistance in the peace process, currently conducted by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

A undivided island could greatly advance the two territories, regarding gas movements. Israeli and Cypriot gas has the possibility to travel to Europe via Turkey in a pipeline, and would alleviate the state's Russian energy reliance. Gas activity in the region comes at a particularly crucial time, as Russia has voiced ceasing deliveries due to the Ukrainian crisis.

Reported by The Washington Post, University of Cyprus Economics professor Sofronis Clerides explained, "If diplomacy succeeds, energy resources could therefore provide the impetus required to resolve deep and longstanding disputes". America's Noble Energy company is already collaborating with Israeli colleagues Delek and Avner, in the development of the island's only determined gas field.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades invited the U.S. Vice President, as a sign of his realigned policies that further support U.S. and European ones, in comparison to his predecessor. Joe Biden is also expected to discuss harsher sanctions on Russia, regarding the turmoil in Ukraine.

However, Cyprus depends on Russian bank deposits and tourist revenues to assist its frail economy. According to The Washington Post, the American administration believes that: "speaking with one voice" regarding sanctions, is the proper method.