Norway has lifted its 65-year-old arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus, a decision hailed as “historic” and a diplomatic success by the Cypriot government.
The embargo, which had been in place since 1959, was formally lifted after a telephone call between Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday evening.
Barth Eide served as the United Nations special adviser on Cyprus between 2014-2017.
The decision allows Norway to once again process applications for the export of military defence and dual-use equipment to Cyprus.
Government Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis stated the decision was the result of a “targeted diplomatic effort” and signifies the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as a “reliable partner and a factor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Diplomatic breakthrough
According to diplomatic sources, the initial discussion that paved the way for the lifting of the embargo took place last month on the sidelines of the Gaza ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
During that meeting, the Norwegian Foreign Minister informed President Christodoulides of Norway’s intent to proceed with lifting the sales ban on weapons systems to the Republic of Cyprus. President Christodoulides reportedly expressed his satisfaction, calling the intention a “very positive development.” Eide then phoned Christodoulides on Friday to convey Norway’s final decision.
EU presidency played role
Diplomatic circles suggest that Norway’s move is linked to the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
As a non-EU member, Norway seeks to maintain open channels of communication with the bloc, particularly through attendance at summit meetings hosted by the presiding member. The decision to lift the long-standing embargo is viewed as a gesture of goodwill towards Nicosia in this context.
Significance for Cyprus’s National Guard
While the decision may hold limited direct impact for Norway, it is highly significant for the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus had reportedly been interested in purchasing military sighting systems from Norway for some time, but the embargo prevented the acquisition.
With the lifting of the ban, the path is now open for the National Guard to acquire this modern system, strengthening the bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations.
Official government reaction
President Christodoulides personally welcomed the move on X, calling the decision a “significant step in strengthening our bilateral defence cooperation.”
A government source noted that the embargo, imposed in 1959, was initially part of Norway’s general policy to avoid exporting arms to countries facing war, the threat of war, or internal conflict. The same source added that the lifting of the restrictive regime, which lasted over six decades, “constitutes recognition of the role of the Republic of Cyprus as a reliable partner, and as a factor of security in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
I warmly welcome Norway’s decision, conveyed today by @EspenBarthEide, to open applications for the export of defence-related and dual-use products for military use to Cyprus. A significant step in strengthening our bilateral defence cooperation, 🇨🇾🇳🇴
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) November 7, 2025
