Pompeo to Kathimerini: ''Cyprus must stand firm with the West''

Pompeo to Kathimerini: "Cyprus Must Stand Firm with the West"

In a detailed interview, Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and current Executive Chairman of Impact, emphasized the critical need for Cyprus to maintain strong ties with the West amid global shifts. During his visit to Nicosia for the annual Economist Conference, he highlighted the importance of smaller nations navigating carefully between competing powers by aligning with reliable partners and boosting their security and economic strength.

Western Unity and Cyprus' Strategic Role

Pompeo discussed the crucial role Cyprus plays in the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Washington's focus is growing in this region, especially concerning energy security, defense collaboration, and regional cooperation.

Geopolitical Changes Under the Current U.S. Administration

Regarding shifts in U.S. foreign and trade policy, Pompeo remarked on the continuity between the Trump administrations and their focus on restoring deterrence that was, in his view, lost under Joe Biden’s tenure. He specifically pointed to the foreign policy reversals made after the Obama years and highlighted significant developments in the Middle East as evidence of this consistent approach.

“President Trump is working hard to restore the deterrence that was lost under Joe Biden, just as we did after the failed foreign policy of the Obama years. There’s strong continuity between the first and second Trump administrations on foreign policy, and the dramatic changes now unfolding in the Middle East are part of that same course.”

Pompeo also touched on the United States' "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran and the killing of Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani, which he stated has significantly weakened Tehran’s power projection capabilities.

“Our maximum pressure campaign against Iran and the elimination of Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani weakened Tehran’s ability to project power.”

Summary

Pompeo stresses that Cyprus must remain steadfast with Western allies, as the United States intensifies its engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Kathimerini — 2025-11-10