Cyprus-FBI work on clearing Cyprus’ name

Cyprus and the FBI are to work together on clearing Cyprus’ name regarding the naturalisation through the citizenship by investment programme, it was announced on Tuesday after President Nikos Christodoulides met FBI assistant director Michael Nordwall.

The meeting at the presidential palace also assessed work done over the last few months.

Following harsh criticism for the ‘golden passport’ programme, the authorities withdrew it in 2020 and introduced stricter criteria. 

Head of the president’s press office Victoras Papadopoulos said the meeting was “constructive and views were exchanged on the work of the FBI here and the assistance it provides to the republic’s authorities towards solving some cases and for Cyprus’ name to be clear around the globe.”

The FBI’s assistance, he said, contributed to making sure “there is no shadow on Cyprus’ name and preserving the country as a provider of services, because services constitute a large proportion of the Cyprus economy.”

Invited to comment on some of these cases, Papadopoulos said they are those for which US authorities have been called upon to contribute, so that there is no shadow on Cyprus.

Nordwall said the aim of this meeting was to talk with the president about the great partnership that the US and the FBI have with Cyprus, the people and the police.

“We talked about ways to enhance and further cooperate as we move into the future,” he said.

Nordwall said that the meeting was absolutely productive.

Replying to questions about the next steps, he said the meeting took place to assess where we are now and what happened over the last several months and to develop a plan for the future.

“It is an ongoing process but there is a conversation that we are having through the embassy, through the ambassador and with the people of Cyprus,” he said.

Speaking during the meeting, Christodoulides again referred to the close relations between the two countries in recent years, noting that cooperation between them extends to all sectors.

He also said strengthening bilateral relations is a priority for his government and praised the role of the US Ambassador in Cyprus for directing deepening bilateral ties.