Press Releases

Delegations from the Republic of Cyprus and the United States met today in Nicosia, in the framework of the 1^st Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus and the U.S. Department of Defense. The meeting was hosted at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus.

Since the Republic of Cyprus and the United States signed the Statement of Intent on Security Cooperation in 2018, both countries have taken remarkable steps for strengthening their bilateral relations in the fields of security and defense. The growing, shared interests of the two countries in the Eastern Mediterranean aim to tackle emerging transnational threats and contribute to regional stability and security. Over recent months, the Republic of Cyprus, inter alia, has been admitted to the U.S. International Military Education and Training program and gained the ability to purchase non-lethal defense commercial sales. Also, a number of joint training activities and exercises between the Cypriot National Guard and the U.S. Armed Forces have taken place.

During the consultations the delegations had the opportunity to review the latest developments and the progress achieved in the fields of security and defense cooperation and the conclusion of numerous bilateral agreements. Moreover, they discussed ways to further enhance their defense and military cooperation through the participation in training programs and joint exercises. The Delegations also had the opportunity to discuss other issues of mutual interest, in regards to regional challenges and global issues.

(NG/IK)