Nicosia: The Commander of Cyprus’ National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, paid a visit to the USA, leading a delegation of officers from the National Guard General Staff from April 29 to May 6, during which the steadfast commitment of the Cypriot and US armed forces to strengthen cooperation was demonstrated, according to a press release issued by the General Staff in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the visit, held after an official invitation from the US military leadership, Commander Tsitsikostas visited the Pentagon and held a series of meetings with high-ranking officials from the US Department of Defense and the US National Guard. He also attended the activities of the Special Operations Conference (SOF Week 2025).
The press release stated that the Chief of the National Guard held meetings with the Acting Chief of the Joint Staff of the US Armed Forces, Admiral Christopher Grady, as well as with the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Michael F. Miller. These officials oversee key military cooperation programs such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Excess Defense Articles (EDA), and Article 10, which are essential tools for enhancing the capabilities of allied and partner countries, including the Republic of Cyprus.
The press release noted that steps to institutionalize mechanisms facilitating the initiation and acceleration of these programs were discussed, aiming to upgrade the operational capabilities of the National Guard and maximize mutual benefits. These discussions were attended by Cyprus’ Ambassador to Washington, Savvas Evaggelou.
Furthermore, the Chief met with General Steven Nordhaus, Commander of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB), and with the Commander of the New Jersey National Guard, Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays. The importance of the international cooperation program ‘State Partnership Program – SPP’ as a framework for long-term military collaboration was reaffirmed.
The Chief also participated in the Special Operations Forces Conference (SOF Week 2025), attended by veterans, officials, Armed Forces Chiefs, and politicians from 60 countries, with over 23,000 participants representing the field of Special Operations.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Chief held meetings with the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), General Bryan P. Fenton, and the Commander of U.S. Special Operations in Europe (SOCEUR), General Richard E. Angle. Discussions focused on strengthening operational cooperation, exchanging expertise in Special Operations, and exploring opportunities for joint training activities to enhance interoperability and synergy.
The Chief held an official meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York with Deputy Secretary-General Cheryl Pearce, the Military Adviser to the UN Secretary-General in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), and a senior-ranking military official within the United Nations hierarchy. The meeting, attended by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michael, addressed issues related to international security, UNFICYP, and cooperation between the National Guard and relevant UN military bodies.
Commander Tsitsikostas was also invited by the American think tank “Atlantic Council” to participate in a discussion with security and defence experts, exchanging views on geopolitical developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the role of Cyprus as a pillar of stability.
The Chief laid a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery and visited several units and military training facilities. Briefings on the mission, organization, and operational activities of the units were provided, alongside demonstrations showcasing their equipment capabilities.
According to the press release, the visit of the Chief of the National Guard to the US is part of the strategic cooperation framework between Cyprus and the US in defence and security. It “demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the Cypriot and American Armed Forces to further strengthen their military cooperation. It also confirms the high level of mutual trust and shared dedication to maintaining stability and peace in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region,” the press release concluded.