Nicosia: Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Dr. Nicholas Ioannides, met with Rob Law, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the US Department of Homeland Security, on Tuesday in Nicosia to discuss immigration and border security issues.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting underscored the strong relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States and expressed a mutual desire to enhance cooperation on migration, border security, and addressing shared challenges. The discussion highlighted the importance of managing migration flows effectively, implementing asylum and return procedures, combating migrant smuggling networks, and ensuring timely information exchange and coordination between authorities.
The discussions also touched on leveraging modern technological and digital tools to improve security, efficiency, and interoperability in migration and border management services. Both parties considered opportunities for further exchanging know-how and best practices between Cyprus and the United States.
Dr. Ioannides briefed Law on Cyprus's migration management policies and actions, which focus on protecting external borders, expediting asylum applications, returning individuals without legal residency rights, and strengthening legal migration channels. He emphasized Cyprus's role as a stable EU member state in the Eastern Mediterranean and a reliable US partner amidst regional geopolitical and migration challenges.
The press release noted that Law, visiting Cyprus as part of a regional tour, praised the Republic of Cyprus for its successful migration policies and its accomplishments during its EU Council Presidency in migration matters. Both officials agreed on the need to maintain dialogue and deepen cooperation to enhance security, institutional resilience, and effective migration management.