President N. Christodoulides has officially confirmed that the Republic of Cyprus is actively planning its accession to NATO. Despite the current roadblock posed by Turkey’s objections that prevent Cyprus from becoming a NATO member state, the Cypriot government is exploring avenues to overcome these challenges and ensure the National Guard benefits from opportunities related to military upgrades and acquisitions.
President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of enhancing the deterrent power of Cyprus and detailed ongoing discussions with the United States. These negotiations focus on leveraging advantages typically offered by NATO membership, with the aim of preparing Cyprus for eventual membership once conditions allow.
Efforts are being made not only in collaboration with the US and NATO but also through participation in various European Defence Agency programs as part of the European Union. Cyprus aims to maximize defense opportunities and bolster its strategic position in a geopolitically crucial region.
Significant investments are being directed towards upgrading existing military infrastructure, specifically focusing on Cyprus's Naval and Air Bases. Advanced talks are underway with the European Union regarding the Naval Base and with the United States concerning the Air Base. These initiatives have been met with positive responses, highlighting the growing international cooperation on defense matters.
President Christodoulides alluded to imminent developments in the field of Defense and Security that are expected to further enhance Cyprus's strategic capabilities. When questioned on the timeline for submitting a formal application to NATO, the President remarked that discretion is key to achieving the goal, suggesting progress is being made behind the scenes.