The time has come for a meeting between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and US President Donald Trump, Cyprus Government Spokesman Nikos Christodoulides told White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus on Tuesday.

During their meeting at the building housing the National Security Council, next to the White House, Christodoulides told Priebus that such a meeting would send a message for Cyprus-US relations, Washington`s role in the region and with regards to the Cyprus problem.

In statements after the meeting, the Government Spokesman said he was satisfied from the discussion, which was also attended by officials dealing with the EU, Greece and Turkey. The Cyprus problem, bilateral relations, energy matters, regional developments and US-EU relations were on the agenda.

“I had an excellent meeting with Mr. Priebus and National Security Council officials” said Christodoulides, and added that the role of the Republic of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean region is being acknowledged, especially in relation to the trilateral cooperation schemes with countries such as Israel, Egypt and Jordan.

Special reference was made to the role of Cyprus as an EU member state, with Christodoulides underlining that Nicosia acts as the “voice” of countries in the region within the EU, contributing to stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Christodoulides also briefed Priebus in relation to the latest developments in settlement talks in Cyprus, giving particular emphasis on the difficulties that are being encountered, especially in the chapter of security and guarantees.

“An eventual Cyprus settlement needs to reinforce the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a pillar of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region” the Government Spokesman said.

He added that during the meeting, they also exchanged views on developments in Turkey and the upcoming referendum to amend the country`s constitution.

They also underlined the need to enhance Cyprus-US bilateral relations, with Christodoulides telling Priebus that efforts would culminate with a meeting between President Anastasiades and President Trump.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades is expected to visit the US in June 6, at the invitation of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) to address the organization`s world congress. He will also attend the conference of the International Coordinating Committee “Justice For Cyprus” (PSEKA).

According to diplomatic sources, the US displays strong interest in regional developments amid rumours that the White House is preparing for an initiative in the Middle East. Egypt`s President Al Sisi and the King of Jordan Abdullah II are set to visit Washington.

Before departing for Cyprus, later today, Christodoulides is scheduled to meet with ExxonMobil officials.