Politis

Cyprus Welcomes Passage of Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act

Published January 22, 2026, 14:19
Cyprus Welcomes Passage of Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act

The Republic of Cyprus has welcomed the passage of the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee. The legislation recognizes the importance of the IMEC corridor for the United States and highlights Cyprus's role as a key hub, alongside India, Egypt, Greece, and Israel. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated that Cyprus views this development as part of the strengthening of its relations with the US at both the executive and legislative levels. The Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, as explained by Mr. Kombos, aims to guide US foreign policy regarding the IMEC and the Eastern Mediterranean. It will require reports to the US legislative body on the alignment of US foreign policy with the parameters set by the legislator. The passage of the bill is a first step in the legislative process, having been approved with 45 positive votes and only 2 against. It will then need to be approved by the full House of Representatives and subsequently by the Senate, following a similar process. Mr. Kombos emphasized that the legislation underscores the strategic importance of Cyprus to the US, particularly in relation to the IMEC, trilateral relations, and relations with Egypt and India. Cyprus, as a member state of the EU, plays a significant role in the region, and the legislation recognizes this importance.