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Cyprus is working to strengthen its military cooperation with the United States, particularly following recent discussions between President Nicos Christodoulides and President Joe Biden. This comes after the US lifted some restrictions on military hardware sales to Cyprus in 2021, according to a report by Apostolos Tomaras in this Sunday's Kathimerini. During their meeting, the leaders talked about various aspects of their military partnership, including the potential use of Cyprus's military bases by the US.
The US has expressed interest in utilizing the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos and the naval base in Mari. In addition to expanding military collaboration, the US is looking into providing aircraft, including helicopters for search and rescue missions and firefighting, from its reserves. This potential aid might face challenges due to existing restrictions tied to a partial lifting of the arms embargo.
Christodoulides proposed extending the current embargo renewal period from one year to three. He argued that a longer period would allow for smoother negotiations and execution of military contracts. Currently, the renewal process is cumbersome and can hinder timely military agreements. Nicosia's request is supported by ongoing discussions in Congress about fully lifting the military embargo on Cyprus, which could further streamline military cooperation.
The US has expressed interest in utilizing the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos and the naval base in Mari.
Additionally, the US Defense Undersecretary recently notified Cyprus that Cypriot officers would now have the opportunity to attend US military schools, which would require an amendment to existing laws stating that military officers must be graduates of Cypriot or Greek institutions. This change is significant for Cypriot military personnel seeking advanced training.
The two presidents also discussed the CYCLOPS program, a US-led initiative focused on regional security training, including areas like border control, port security, and cybersecurity. This training aims to strengthen cooperation not only between the US and Cyprus but also among neighboring states.
Cyprus's strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean has increasingly made it a focal point for US military interests, particularly as tensions have risen in the region. The diplomatic ties have been evolving since the signing of a Statement of Intent in 2018, reflecting a long-term US commitment to strengthen relations with Cyprus, which has been heightened by geopolitical developments in the area.
Overall, these developments signal a significant shift in Cyprus-US military relations, opening the door for greater collaboration in defense and security matters in the future.
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