U.S. Approves Cyprus for Military Equipment Sales in Strengthened Security Partnership

President Joe Biden's directive marks a significant step in U.S.-Cyprus relations, acknowledging the island's role in regional stability and cooperation.

• President Joe Biden issued a memorandum allowing Cyprus to purchase U.S. military equipment and access surplus defense articles directly from the government.
• The decision builds on the 2020 lifting of a decades-long arms embargo and reflects Cyprus' pivot toward a pro-Western foreign policy under President Nikos Christodoulides.
• Cyprus' cooperation with the U.S. during humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the evacuation of nationals from conflict zones was cited as a factor in the strengthened partnership.
• The move is seen as a recognition of Cyprus' strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean and its commitment to regional stability and security.
• The development is likely to draw scrutiny from Turkey, which opposes closer U.S.-Cyprus defense ties, citing concerns for Turkish Cypriots in the island's north.

3 Articles

Associated Press