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Deputy Minister Kyriakos Kokkinos in the US


Building Bridges of Collaboration on Technology and Cybersecurity


Productive meetings with government officials and business stakeholders





The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, held a series of important contacts and productive meetings in New York and Washington, aimed at promoting cooperation with the U.S in the fields of research, innovation and technological advancement, within the framework of the 10-year Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation signed between the two countries in February 2022.


Specifically, Mr. Kokkinos met with the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Ms. Erika Olson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Finance and Development within the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, Mr. Roland de Marcellus, as well as Ms. Jennifer Bachus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Cyberspace and Digital Policy Bureau and Ms. Allison Schwier, Advisor to the U.S Secretary of State for Science and Technology. Discussions focused on expanding and strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest, through exchange of know-how, expertise and good practices for the acceleration and successful implementation of key digital reforms, such as the transition to the cloud and the development of emerging technologies. The importance of promoting the wider participation of women in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) was underlined, as a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. During his stay, Mr. Kokkinos also visited the renowned National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), exploring the possibility of Cypriots participating in NIST research programs and activities, as well as the prospect of cooperation in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.


According to Mr. Kokkinos, on the basis of the Agreement with the US, the foundations have already been set for the implementation of targeted actions both at government level and between the research and business communities of the two countries. "In cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus," said Mr. Kokkinos, "we have undertaken initiatives both to link and expand cooperation between the two ecosystems and to promote Cyprus as an attractive investment destination for U.S. technology companies and startups, in the context of the government's new strategy to attract investments, which includes, among others, a Digital Nomad Visa and the Cyprus Startup Visa Scheme."


On the sidelines of his visit, Mr. Kokkinos also attended an official reception hosted in his honor and in the honor of the Minister of Defense, Charalambos Petrides, by the Ambassador of Cyprus in Washington, Mr. Marios Lyssiotis, in the presence of U.S. government officials and distinguished business executives. He also met with the President of the Federation of Cypriot American Organizations, Mr. Kyriakos Papastylianou, and Ms. Maria Pappas, President of the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce.


According to the Deputy Minister, extroversion and international cooperation are key levers of success of our efforts, and elements directly intertwined with progress and development. "The Cypriot diaspora is a reflection of our image abroad, a valuable tool for maintaining and deepening the close relationship we have already developed with the U.S., and the solid foundation on which we can build a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future, for all", noted the Minister.