Larnaka: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Thursday that he will refrain from commenting on the government’s efforts to enhance the deterrent capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus. The President made this statement while attending the Nicosia Risk Forum 2024, which is being held in Larnaka.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides was specifically asked about the Cyprus anti-missile system. He responded by declining to provide any details, emphasizing that there would be “absolutely no statement on the substance of the moves we are taking to strengthen the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus.” He assured, however, that the government is taking all necessary actions to bolster its defense, not only because Cyprus is a country under occupation but also due to its status as an EU member state in a strategically significant region.
The President elaborated that these actions include efforts related to the United States and NATO. He acknowledged that the inability of Cy
prus to currently be a NATO member hampers the strengthening of the National Guard at various levels. To mitigate this issue, specific measures have been undertaken, particularly in collaboration with the US, aimed at enhancing the Republic of Cyprus’s deterrent power and fortifying the National Guard.
President Christodoulides further mentioned that significant progress has been made, with certain developments already announced and more expected to be disclosed soon. When questioned about Turkey’s reactions concerning the Iron Dome and Cyprus’s potential NATO membership, he chose not to comment, stating, “Turkey can have a position as it sees fit.”