Nicosia: There is a huge gap between the transition from a slogan to the effort to implement the idea, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said regarding a possible accession of Cyprus to NATO, noting that he considers the public debate on the outcome and the political aspect “premature”. He emphasized Cyprus’s efforts to increase compatibility with NATO member states.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kombos, who was the keynote speaker at an event organized by the Cyprus University of Technology and the Cyprus Association of Political Scientists and Public Administration, was invited to comment on discussions about the possibility of Cyprus joining NATO. He highlighted the challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate, particularly the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, which complicates Cyprus’s defense capabilities given its reliance on arms from Russia and Israel.
Kombos further explained the growing relationship with the US, expressing hope for benefits in armaments and improved
training compatibility. He noted ongoing military exercises with various countries and identified gaps in personnel training, which he hopes to address through strategic dialogue with the US. This effort aims to enhance national defense capabilities through cooperation with traditional allies like Greece and France.
On infrastructure, Kombos mentioned the need for upgrades to support regional operations, such as population evacuations, which current facilities are not adequately equipped to handle. He also expressed optimism for the reactivation of the Amalthea humanitarian corridor via Israel’s Ashdod port in the coming days.
Kombos articulated Cyprus’s role as a “conduit of messages” between the EU and regional states, leveraging its understanding of regional dynamics to influence Brussels. He highlighted the potential for Cyprus to play a more significant role if the Cyprus problem were resolved.
Lastly, Kombos addressed concerns about the potential impact of Donald Trump’s election on US-Cyprus relatio
ns, asserting confidence in the stability of strategic interests that transcend election outcomes.