May 17, 2012 – Nicosia – An AJC leadership delegation has concluded a visit to Nicosia, Cyprus. The trip, highlighted by meetings with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, marked AJC's sixth trip to the island nation since 2010.

The delegation, led by AJC Executive Director David Harris, also met with Israeli Ambassador Michael Harari, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Andrew Schofer, and Spanish Ambassador Ana Salomon.

Topics of discussion included bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United States, Cyprus and Israel, regional developments, and the country's upcoming turn at the helm of the rotating EU presidency.  

"We arrived in Nicosia at an exciting time in the country's life," explained Harris.   "The discovery of natural gas off the Cypriot coast, the burgeoning relationship with its close neighbor Israel, and the upcoming EU presidency present new and unprecedented opportunities for the nation."

Today’s visit followed on the heels of Foreign Minister Kozakou-Marcoullis' address at the AJC Global Forum World Leaders Plenary in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.  In her stirring remarks before the audience of 1,500, Kozakou-Marcoullis cited the unique and treasured relationship between AJC and Cyprus.

"The fact that I am the first Foreign Minister of Cyprus to address the AJC Global Forum represents a turning point in our relationship with the American Jewish Committee and perhaps even with the American Jewish community at large," the Foreign Minister told those assembled.  "It certainly reflects the forward thinking of AJC Executive Director David Harris and [AJC Director of Government and International Affairs] Jason Isaacson, who have been at the forefront of the efforts aimed at building and consolidating this relationship."

AJC has long maintained relations with Cypriot diplomats in the U.S., as well as with Greek and Cypriot Diaspora leaders. AJC’s global advocacy, including visits such as today’s to Cyprus, serve to deepen its strategic dialogue on matters of mutual interest.

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