The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulidis, received today, in New York, the Deputy Under Secretary of State of the USA, Mrs. Victoria Newland.

At the meeting, the President of the Republic of Cyprus informed Ms. Newland of the efforts he is making to take the initiative, to end the impasse and to restart the talks on the Cyprus issue.

He also pointed out that a first important step will be the appointment of an envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Cyprus issue, in order to explore the prospects of resuming the talks that would create the prospects for a resolution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework and the resolutions of the Council Security of the UN.

During the meeting, both sides highlighted the excellent bilateral relations between Cyprus and the USA, which have reduced the two countries to strategic partners, as well as the common will and determination to further strengthen them.

Issues related to regional developments were also discussed, as well as the issue regarding the exemption of visas for entry permits to and from Cyprus and the USA.