**Title: President Christodoulides Engages with US Students of Cypriot and Greek Descent**
On Monday, President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed a group of students of Cypriot and Greek descent from the United States at the presidential palace in Nicosia. The meeting was part of the American Hellenic Institute’s (AHI) annual foreign policy programme, which has been running for 18 years. The students are in Cyprus to gain insights into the Cyprus problem, the relationship between Cyprus and the United States, and the island's strategic significance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
During the visit, AHI president Nick Larigakis presented President Christodoulides with a commemorative plaque celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence. Larigakis highlighted the programme's objective, stating, “The clear aim is to educate the next generation of Greek-American and Cypriot-American leaders and raise their awareness about the issues of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Among the students was Maria Kyriacou, a University of Virginia student from Chicago, who reflected on the significance of her heritage during the meeting. “I thought about my grandparents who are from Cyprus and what it means for me as an American of Cypriot descent to be here today,” she remarked. Kyriacou noted that the discussions encompassed various geopolitical issues impacting both Cyprus and the United States.
Lucas Koutsoukos, a student from Yale University hailing from Connecticut, expressed that the encounter enhanced their understanding of Cyprus’ historical context and its current geopolitical relevance. “It was an exciting experience,” he said. Koutsoukos mentioned that the group engaged in discussions about the Cyprus issue, dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot community, regional cooperation, and how the diaspora could support both Cyprus and Greece.
As part of their programme, the students have also explored Larnaca and the northern part of the island, with plans to visit the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (Cyclops). Koutsoukos emphasized the importance of understanding cultural and foreign policy areas relevant to Greek-American and Cypriot relations.
During the meeting, President Christodoulides elaborated on Cyprus’ role as a reliable partner for the United States in the region. Koutsoukos noted that many young Greek and Cypriot Americans are keen to contribute to their ancestral countries. “We want to know how we can help in the United States, whether by lobbying Congress or simply raising awareness about the Cyprus issue or issues concerning Greece,” he said.
This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to foster connections between the diaspora and their roots, while also addressing critical geopolitical matters in the Eastern Mediterranean. The AHI's programme not only serves to educate young leaders but also aims to strengthen ties between the United States and Cyprus, promoting a deeper understanding of the region's complexities.