Nicosia: A high-level delegation from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans Rob Law, conducted "a productive visit" to the Republic of Cyprus on July 13-14, discussing Cyprus' progress toward meeting visa waiver program requirements.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the delegation met with Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides, and Foreign Permanent Secretary Theodora Constantinidou. The discussions centered on the growing security cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus, focusing on important advances in border security and combating illegal migration.
The US Embassy in Nicosia issued a press release stating that the bilateral border security cooperation strengthens the national security of both countries. It emphasized that the security and integrity of borders and the immigration system remain the highest priorities for President Trump and his Administration.
The press release further mentioned that the Department of Homeland Security relies on strong relationships with security partners to prevent criminals, terrorists, and fraudsters from illegally crossing borders and traveling to the United States. DHS continues to monitor these efforts as it considers the designation of the Republic of Cyprus into the Visa Waiver Program and looks forward to continued cooperation with Cyprus toward that goal.