The United States has taken a significant step in military cooperation with Cyprus through an amendment to its Defence Budget, making the Mediterranean island the only non-NATO and non-Partnership for Peace country eligible to participate in multilateral military training programmes.
The provision for Cyprus appears on page 814 of the legislation passed by the US House of Representatives.
Section 1302 of the law, which addresses the “extension and modification of training for Eastern European national security forces in the course of multilateral exercises”, adds subparagraph “D” specifically referencing the “Republic of Cyprus”.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the development is part of a broader framework to deepen Cyprus-US strategic cooperation, now strengthened at the legislative level.
He noted that the amendment’s inclusion in the final NDAA Act 2025 text, with bipartisan support of 281 votes in favour and 140 against, demonstrates the institutional upgrade in bilateral relations.
“Upon Senate approval and presidential signature, the Cyprus National Guard will gain the right to participate in multilateral military exercises until 2027”, Letymbiotis said.
President Nikos Christodoulides said he would await the final Congressional decision, noting that defence matters would be on the agenda during next week’s Strategic Dialogue with Britain.
“Expect further announcements in defence and security, possibly before year-end”, he added.
Separately, Christodoulides announced six measures aimed at transforming Cyprus’s defence industry to contribute significantly to Europe’s collective security framework.
These include legislation for high-tech defence industry institutionalisation, industrial cooperation in defence programmes with France, and the establishment of a Defence Research, Technology and Industry Council.
The president also revealed plans for expanding the “Andreas Papandreou” air base, with cost estimates already received from the Ministry of Defence.
“We are in contact with the US government regarding the base. Both projects will proceed”, he said, referring also to discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the naval base at Mari.
