The Government speaks of a "historical development" which confirms the strategic value of Cyprus on the broader geopolitical chessboard, while at the same time sending strong political messages for the deepening of strategic cooperation between Cyprus and the United States.
A statement from the Presidency of the Republic states that “the decision of the President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden, constitutes a development of historic importance, as it makes the Republic of Cyprus eligible to receive defense equipment, supplies and services through strategic programs such as Foreign Military Sales, the Excess Defense Articles divestment program and other military assistance programs.”
This development, he notes, "reflects the results of the clear policy and orientation of the Christodoulides Government, which yields substantial and tangible benefits at the diplomatic and defense level."
At the same time, he emphasizes that this decision, which was also discussed during the meeting of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, with President Biden at the White House, last October, marks another historic milestone in the bilateral relations between Cyprus and the United States. At the same time, it constitutes a clear recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as a critical pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the potential to further contribute to peace and the management of humanitarian challenges.
Cyprus's inclusion in the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, he continues, "offers the possibility of procuring defense equipment from surplus US material, either through donations or at a particularly low cost, contributing to the modernization of the country's armament program. At the same time, participation in Foreign Military Sales (FMS) allows for the direct procurement of defense equipment from the US Government, ensuring that these actions serve common strategic objectives. At the same time, Title 10 programs strengthen the support of our country's capabilities through the provision of training and equipment, mainly with regard to land and maritime border security."
The Presidency of the Republic also states that "this decision significantly upgrades bilateral defense cooperation, consolidating Cyprus' position as a reliable regional partner, while, at the same time, it contributes to the upgrading of our country's defense armor and deterrence capability and the modernization of the National Guard's armament program. This strategic cooperation strengthens the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a foundation of security, stability and diplomatic influence in the region, while, at the same time, it highlights the political stability and international credibility of the Cypriot state."
At the same time, "the Presidential Decision is undoubtedly a decisive development, confirming the strategic value of Cyprus in the broader geopolitical chessboard and sending strong political messages for the deepening of the strategic cooperation between Cyprus and the United States. Developments that also strengthen our relentless effort to end the occupation and for a definitive solution to the Cyprus problem."