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Cyprus is stepping up its military partnership with the United States following a high-level visit by National Guard Chief Lt. Gen. George Tsitsikostas.
The visit, held from April 29 to May 6, included meetings at the Pentagon and the United Nations, participation in a global special operations conference, and talks with U.S. and New Jersey National Guard officials.
During his trip, Tsitsikostas met top American defense leaders, including Admiral Christopher Grady and DSCA Director Michael F. Miller, to discuss access to U.S. military support programs and ways to fast-track their implementation for Cyprus.
He also reaffirmed Cyprus’s growing cooperation with the New Jersey National Guard, part of the State Partnership Program launched in 2023. Discussions focused on joint training, interoperability, and even plans to expand collaboration on aerial firefighting.
At the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week conference in Florida, Tsitsikostas met with U.S. special ops commanders to explore opportunities for Cyprus to join training missions and improve its capabilities in the field.
He also made a diplomatic stop at the UN in New York to meet Major General Cheryl Pearce, the UN’s top military adviser, for talks on peacekeeping and regional security, including the ongoing UN mission in Cyprus.
The visit wrapped up with briefings and demonstrations at U.S. military bases and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cypriot defense officials say the visit reflects a growing partnership with the U.S. and a shared commitment to regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
