Nicosia: The continuous upgrading of the National Guard, both in terms of human resources and technological capabilities, is a key pillar of our strategy to strengthen the security of our country, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, speaking on Wednesday evening during an event marking the 25th anniversary of CyBC programme on defence issues.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted the current challenges facing Cyprus, emphasizing the ongoing Turkish occupation, which covers 37% of the Republic of Cyprus’s territory, as well as the necessity to monitor the ceasefire line. The President noted that Cyprus’s geographical position in a region of significant geostrategic importance, frequently affected by crises, imposes heightened responsibilities in both defence and foreign affairs, linking internal and external security concerns.
He further identified migration, terrorism, smuggling, piracy, and asymmetric threats as ongoing challenges, requiring the Republic of Cyprus’s security forces to maintain constant readiness. As the EU’s closest member state in the region, Cyprus is compelled to respond actively to humanitarian and other missions, including search and rescue operations.
Highlighting the factors driving this strategic focus, the President reiterated the importance of continuously upgrading the National Guard and strengthening Cyprus’s deterrent capabilities, leveraging both human resources and technological advancements. He mentioned the EU’s SAFE financial instrument, which allocates pound 1.2 billion to the Republic of Cyprus, as a crucial component of this strategy.
Additionally, President Christodoulides discussed Cyprus’s participation in military equipment procurement from the United States through the Excess Defense Articles and Foreign Military Sales programs, secured due to government actions and set to commence in January 2024. The Ministry of Defence has already devised plans to utilize these programs effectively, alongside bolstering the Cypriot defence industry and upgrading critical infrastructure like the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base.
“Our government strongly supports the National Guard and invests in its continuous upgrading and strengthening in terms of equipment, infrastructure, and, of course, human resources. Our officers and non-commissioned officers, all the members of the National Guard, are a valuable asset for our country,” the President emphasized. He expressed pride in the multifaceted role played by the National Guard and its contribution to establishing a sense of security for Cyprus’s citizens.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, a resolution has yet to be achieved, with the last negotiations in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana concluding without success.