Cyrus is in talks with the US on three levels that NATO membership offers, on how the Republic of Cyprus can take advantage of opportunities so that “when everything is in place, the Republic of Cyprus can become a NATO member state,” President, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Thursday.
President Christodoulides was replying to journalists’ questions on the sidelines of a ceremony for the 8th National Skills Competition SkillsCyprus 2024, held at the former Cyprus State Fair.
Invited to give a “clear answer” whether the Cypriot government intends to apply for NATO membership, the President replied that the fact that the Republic of Cyprus cannot be a NATO member state due to Turkey’s objections prevents the National Guard from many opportunities, either for upgrading or acquiring military equipment.
He added that “and precisely because we don’t want the National Guard to miss these opportunities, we are discussing with the United States – and I’m glad for the positive response – on three levels that NATO membership offers, how the Republic of Cyprus can take advantage of these opportunities so that when everything is in place, the Republic of Cyprus can become a NATO member state.”
President Christodoulides pointed out that “strengthening the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is of utmost importance to us and therefore we use every opportunity, both in direction of the US and NATO and the EU, where there are several European Defence Agency programmes in which we participate to achieve this goal.” He pointed out that “at the same time we have a comparative advantage,” indicating the country’s geographical location, “in a region of particular geostrategic importance”.
He noted that “a decision has already been taken to strengthen and upgrade the infrastructure we have, be it the naval or the air base,” adding that “in this context we are in advanced consultations for the naval base with the EU, for the air base with the US. That is what we are doing very specifically.”
“In this direction we are seeing a very positive response from the US as well. I have to acknowledge that, you see everything that is being done,” he noted.
President Christodoulides also said that other important developments concerning the Defence and Security sector – and not only – are expected soon, which will enhance the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus.
Asked when the conditions will be ready to allow the application for NATO membership, the President of the Republic said that “the less we say on this issue, the closer we will be to the goal”.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Also read: Government comments on Cyprus NATO membership speculations
Source: CNA/ZSO/EPH/2024
