US strengthens defense ties with Greek Cyprus amid regional tensions

Nikos Christodoulides, the leader of the Greek Cyprus administration, announced intentions to expand defense cooperation with the United States, claiming that Washington is considering supplying arms to the region.

Details of cooperation between Greek Cyprus, US

• In an interview with the Associated Press (AP) following a meeting with President Joe Biden on Oct. 30, Christodoulides emphasized that the relationship between Greek Cyprus and the U.S. has reached a “historic peak.”
• He asserted that the U.S. is evaluating the lifting of the arms embargo on the administration, which would facilitate military supplies to the region.
• Christodoulides also mentioned ongoing investigations into Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions through lawyers and accountants based in Greek Cyprus, inviting officials from the FBI and the Department of Justice to assist in the probes.

Energy cooperation

• Christodoulides highlighted that 2024 will be a “turning point” for energy collaboration, particularly regarding natural gas discoveries in Greek Cyprus’s unilaterally declared Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by ExxonMobil and Chevron.

US export restrictions

• Under the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, U.S. defense exports to Greek Cyprus are contingent upon two conditions:

1. The administration must implement reforms to combat money laundering and report its cooperation with the U.S. to Congress.
2. The administration must annually confirm it is taking the necessary steps to prevent Russian warships from accessing its ports for refueling and service.

Reactions from Turkish side

• The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S. decision to extend the lifting of the arms embargo on Greek Cyprus, suggesting that it fosters a dangerous military buildup.
• The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that this “serious mistake” would escalate armament on the island and disrupt regional stability, asserting that the TRNC would take necessary measures to enhance its defense and deterrence capabilities in response to increasing militarization by Greek Cyprus.