Newsroom
In a historic first, 22-year-old Anna Nikodimou from Larnaca has become the first Cypriot to attend the prestigious Foreign Academy Exchange Program (FAEP) at West Point, the U.S. military academy. Nikodimou, a cadet of the Hellenic Army Academy (Στρατιωτική Σχολή Ευελπίδων), is blazing a trail for aspiring Cypriot military personnel, marking a significant milestone in international defense cooperation.
The FAEP is designed to strengthen goodwill and foster partnerships between West Point and service academies worldwide. Nikodimou’s participation highlights the deepening ties between Cyprus, Greece, and the United States in military education and training.
Reflecting on her achievement, Nikodimou acknowledged that pursuing a military career in Cyprus was once considered an unlikely path. However, she believes that changing times and evolving opportunities have made such ambitions more attainable. She looks forward to the unique experience and rigorous training at West Point, which will enhance her skills and broaden her military perspective.
The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus celebrated her accomplishment, emphasizing the importance of international military cooperation and exchanges in strengthening security partnerships. The Ministry of Defence of Cyprus and the Hellenic Army General Staff also expressed their support for Nikodimou’s journey, recognizing it as a step forward for Cypriot military representation on the global stage.
