The United States of America (USA) and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCA) are further strengthening their cooperation in the field of defense through high-level talks. In this context, a delegation from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which is affiliated with the US Department of Defense, is expected to visit Southern Cyprus in the near future to hold initial official consultations with the Greek Cypriot Ministry of Defense. The main purpose of this visit is to lay the groundwork for the gradual implementation of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which the Greek Cypriot Administration officially joined at the end of January, and the “Excess Defense Articles” (EDA) program, through which the US Department of Defense grants surplus defense materials.
Critical Talks Held in Washington
According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, the decision for this important visit was made during a meeting between the Commander of the Greek National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, and DSCA Director Mike Miller at the US Department of Defense (Pentagon). DSCA Director Miller holds a critical position responsible for the overall supervision of all US defense cooperation, assistance and arms transfer programs with foreign governments.
The same report reported that Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas also met with US Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher Grady. It was reported that the talks focused on the issue of interoperability, which is crucial for deepening military cooperation between Washington and Nicosia.
Greek Cypriot Administration's Military Capabilities Are Being Raised to NATO Standards
During the bilateral talks, the Commander of the Greek Cypriot National Guard emphasized the importance of bringing the Greek Cypriot Administration’s military capabilities to NATO standards through the integration of advanced technologies and special training programs. According to information reflected in the Greek media, Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas explained in detail the strategic benefits that such improvements would provide to regional stability. Admiral Grady reportedly understood these developments and agreed that these steps would contribute to regional stability and would also be in line with the broader strategic goals of the United States.
US Interest in Cyprus' Strategic Value
According to Kathimerini, Admiral Grady expressed his keen interest in the operational potential and long-term strategic value of the military infrastructure of the island of Cyprus. In this context, he requested detailed information about the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos and the naval base in Mari. It was reported that Lieutenant General Tsitsikostas also met with the Chief of the US National Guard Bureau, General Steven Nordhaus, as part of the talks. This meeting is important in terms of addressing the different dimensions of defense cooperation between the US and the Greek Cypriot Administration and assessing possible future partnerships. These high-level contacts show that defense ties between the US and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus are deepening and the strategic partnership is strengthening.
