I had an excellent meeting with President Anastasiades and Foreign Minister Kasoulides this morning. I want to thank them for their efforts to strengthen relations between Cyprus and the United States.

I was grateful to have the opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including steps we can take to deepen our economic relationship and expand trade and investment, that are all part of our bilateral relationship.

I had excellent discussions on Cyprus settlement efforts with the leaders of the two communities, President Anastasiades and Mr. Eroglu. I am persuaded, after these discussions, that each leader is personally committed to making real progress in coming days and weeks which will give all the people of Cyprus new confidence and hope in the prospects for a settlement.

The two leaders assured me of their strong determination to reach agreement on a Joint Statement that will define key principles to foster renewal of fruitful, results-oriented settlement negotiations. I assured them of President Obama and the American people’s strong support as they seize this opportunity, and I also pledged the United States’ continued, active engagement as they take courageous steps to heal the island’s divisions and bring security and economic prosperity to all the people of Cyprus.