Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou commented on recent reports suggesting Cyprus may join NATO.
Speaking on the programme Mesimeri kai Kati, Antoniou clarified that NATO membership is not currently being discussed at the political level. “The political and diplomatic environment is not conducive for us to submit an application at this time,” he stated.
He noted that the government’s priority is to leverage the special relationship Cyprus has with NATO countries, with which it already maintains strong relations and bilateral agreements. The goal is to address gaps created by sanctions against Russia, particularly in light of the large amounts of Russian-manufactured equipment currently out of service.
“We are working with France, Greece, and other countries. We aim to capitalise on the synergies created by a special relationship with NATO member states and the organisation itself, ensuring we have access to defence equipment,” Antoniou added.
He emphasised that some NATO countries are key international actors Cyprus engages with to seek a resolution to the Cyprus issue. “We do not demonise NATO. Our pivot toward the West is a given, as our EU membership naturally aligns us in that direction,” he stated.
Antoniou underlined that the government aims to use its relationships with NATO countries to address gaps on three levels: equipment, training, and infrastructure.
Also read: Russian reactions to Cyprus’ potential NATO membership
