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Cyprus and the United States are taking another major step in strengthening their defense relationship. The U.S. Senate passed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday evening, with overwhelming bipartisan support—85 votes in favor and 14 against. The bill now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature to become law.
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced the development on social media platform ‘X,’ calling it “another very important step” in deepening the relationship between the two nations.
This decision builds on an amendment passed on December 12, which Letymbiotis described as a “strategic milestone.” The amendment recognizes Cyprus’s growing geopolitical and military importance to the United States. Specifically, it allows Cyprus to participate in multilateral military training programs led by the U.S., a privilege typically reserved for NATO or Partnership for Peace (PfP) countries.
Cyprus will be the only non-NATO or PfP country to join this list, which already includes several Eastern European nations. Letymbiotis noted that this reflects the “broadening and deepening” of strategic cooperation between Cyprus and the U.S., now reinforced through legislation.
The amendment received strong bipartisan backing in the House of Representatives, with 281 votes in favor and 140 against. Letymbiotis highlighted that once President Biden signs the bill, Cyprus’s National Guard will be able to participate in joint military exercises with the U.S. until 2027.
“This step underscores the U.S. recognition of Cyprus’s critical strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean,” Letymbiotis stated. He added that such initiatives reinforce Cyprus as a “pillar of stability and cooperation” in the region.
This legislative support marks a significant upgrade in bilateral relations and signals that the partnership between Cyprus and the U.S. is stronger than ever.
With info from CNA
