US senators visit Paphos airbase

Four US senators visited the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos on Saturday, where they met with President Nikos Christodoulides.

Senators Jerry Moran, Susan Collins, John Boozman and John Cornyn underlined Cyprus’ “significant role as a pillar of safety and stability and bridge of peace and collaboration,” according to a government bulletin.

Images from the airbase showed individuals in military apparel with badges from the US army and marines, side by side with the Cyprus military.

The senators’ stop in Cyprus is part of a regional tour and “common will to further develop and strengthen the strategically important bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US”.

US ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher said: “their visit provided an opportunity to highlight the shared US-Cyprus commitment to regional stability and security at a critical time and to focus on the importance of this key partnership.”

During their meeting, Christodoulides discussed Cyprus’ initiatives, including the humanitarian aid to Gaza as well as its efforts to help repatriations of foreign nationals fleeing the region.

The president sought to underscore the significance and high level of cooperation between the two countries, particularly after the strategic dialogue which has been formalised between Cyprus and the US.