Nicosia: Cyprus is committed to remaining a credible and stable partner, both politically and militarily, for its allies regionally and internationally, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday. Addressing the annual assembly of the Cypriot Army Officers Association, Palmas emphasized that the government's primary guide remains the security and prosperity of the Cypriot people.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Defense Minister highlighted the ministry's significant investment in deepening alliances with friendly nations and its consistent support for European defense initiatives. Specifically, he pointed to the EU's "SAFE" tool as a vital instrument for meeting urgent defense needs through joint procurement, noting that the national armament program remains flexible to integrate new technologies alongside European funding.
Addressing the complex geopolitical landscape, the Minister described the current security environment as fluid and demanding, characterized by instability and rapid, often unpredictable changes. Given Cyprus' distinct geostrategic position, Palmas argued that the National Guard must maintain a high level of readiness, speed, and operational effectiveness. He stressed that in the modern era, the armed forces must possess advanced technical expertise and capabilities to counter hybrid and asymmetric threats effectively, while ensuring a high degree of interoperability with allied forces.
On the administrative front, Palmas announced significant reforms aimed at improving the career progression and welfare of military personnel. Recognizing the long-standing issue of stagnation in officer promotions, he revealed that the ministry has secured additional permanent positions in the 2025 supplementary budget. Funded entirely through internal savings, these positions will facilitate the promotion of hundreds of officers and NCOs. Additionally, he highlighted the approval of hazard pay for dangerous duties and the historic introduction of a sailing allowance for naval crews, a benefit that had not existed since the National Guard's establishment.
Concluding his address, the Minister underscored that a robust and combat-ready National Guard is the cornerstone of the country's integrity and peace, particularly in the context of a homeland that has been semi-occupied for over fifty years with a persistent Turkish threat. He reiterated the state's commitment to upgrading infrastructure, operational means, and training, assuring the officers that the government will continue to support them in their mission to keep Cyprus a pillar of stability.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.