Nicosia: We are not at the point for applying for membership of the Republic of Cyprus in NATO, Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos said on Tuesday, adding that the discussion on Cyprus’ membership in NATO will take place at an appropriate time. The Minister was speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister addressed the complex issues surrounding Cyprus, including the ongoing division since Turkey’s 1974 invasion. Kombos noted the absence of a scheduled meeting between Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to discuss reunification efforts and increased border crossing points. Following an informal dinner in New York with the UN Secretary-General, President Christodoulides reiterated his readiness for future talks through a letter to the UN.
Kombos also mentioned his upcoming diplomatic engagements, including a visit to Qatar for discussions with regional counterparts and a meeting with his Br
itish counterpart in London on December 17. He expressed concerns about potential migratory flows from Syria and highlighted Turkey’s role in the region. In Lebanon, Kombos praised the ceasefire as a significant development and emphasized Cyprus’ commitment to supporting its implementation through material aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The Minister underlined Cyprus’ strong relations with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, and reiterated the importance of continued cooperation with the European Commission on issues like the Green Line Regulation and migration. He also discussed the strategic dialogue with the UK and the significance of Cyprus-US relations, stressing the importance of aligning defense supplies and infrastructure development with NATO member countries.
Kombos pointed out the necessity of evaluating the Republic of Cyprus’ armament needs before considering NATO membership. He emphasized the importance of coordinating material, training, and infrastructure wi
th NATO allies. The Minister concluded by stating that the transition from declaration to implementation requires careful planning and that the discussion on NATO membership will occur when the time is right.