Promotions for 104 Contracted Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to the rank of Chief Sergeant will take place before the end of the year, President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides announced on Monday. The announcement was made during his visit to the Stylianos Kalbourtzis military camp in Delikipos as part of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis” military camp, Delikipos, Larnaka, Cyprus
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, visits the “Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis” military camp, on the occasion of Christmas and New Year holidays.
The President also stated that the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) is advancing its defence equipment programme by expanding the list of countries supplying arms.
In the presence of Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas and National Guard Chief Georgios Tsitsikostas, President Christodoulides also announced that a bill for the voluntary enlistment of women in the National Guard has been prepared. The bill is under review by the Legal Service and is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers early next year before being submitted to Parliament. The aim, he said, is for women to be included in the next recruitment intake.
Strengthening deterrent capability
Addressing soldiers and officers at the camp, the President emphasised that enhancing the RoC’s deterrent capability is a top priority for the government.
“Strengthening a country’s deterrent power starts and ends with bolstering the human resources of the National Guard. This is why we are investing in all of you, both permanent staff and conscripts. Over the past 20 months of governance, we have made decisions addressing long-standing issues, such as the matter of the Contracted Soldiers (SYOP), their salary upgrades, and the provision of special allowances. We also tackled the issue of career continuity after the completion of their 10-year service,” he said.
He added that allowances for training schools were restored to €150 from €75, and for the first time, Christmas bonuses were given to conscripts, recognising the importance of their service.
Recognition and modernisation
The President expressed pride in the recognition the National Guard has received from foreign officials visiting Cyprus over the last 20 months. “I am particularly proud of the professionalism and commendable work of the National Guard,” he noted.
Today, the National Guard faces more challenges than when it was established in 1964, he explained. Beyond its deterrent capabilities, it addresses issues such as terrorism, migration, and other asymmetric threats. Positioned in a region of geostrategic alliances, Cyprus faces numerous challenges.
“We will continue down the path of strengthening the RoC’s deterrent capabilities,” the President affirmed.
Defence equipment programme
President Christodoulides confirmed that the defence equipment programme is being strengthened, with the RoC broadening its list of arms suppliers. Plans include upgrading the naval base in Mari, which is at its final design stage, and advancing the upgrade of the Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos.
The President highlighted the existence of a strong domestic defence industry, with Cypriot companies participating in equipment programmes in France, Spain, and Germany. The government is committed to strengthening the Cypriot defence industry, doubling the number of companies and employing Cypriot scientists in well-paid positions.
Six actions to support these companies are already being implemented, he added, and defence planning is being reinforced across multiple sectors.
Pride in service
“I am here to tell you, on behalf of the RoC, that we are proud of the work you do,” President Christodoulides said, extending holiday wishes to the soldiers, officers, and their families.
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