Biden Approves Arms Sales to Cyprus, Strengthening Regional Stability and Ties

President Biden’s directive has enabled Cyprus to acquire US armaments, thereby improving security cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean.

In a move that has been hailed as promoting stability in the eastern Mediterranean, President Joe Biden issued a directive on Wednesday that permits Cyprus to acquire arms from the US government and obtain surplus American military equipment.

After the United States lifted a decades-long arms embargo on the island nation in 2020, Cyprus views the development as a critical step. The government in Nicosia also perceives it as a recognition of Cyprus’ status as a reliable US partner in the region.

By establishing a maritime corridor that served as a transit point for the evacuation of foreign nationals from conflict zones in the Middle East, Cyprus assisted in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the war-torn Gaza city.

In his executive action, Biden stated that the provision of defense articles and defense services to Cyprus will enhance the security of the United States and advance global peace.

The directive is a “important step in deepening the relationship, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting stability” in the region, according to a post by US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie D. Fisher on the social media platform X.

The relationship between Cyprus and the United States has undergone a substantial improvement in recent years, particularly following the 2023 election of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who has emphasized Cyprus’ dedication to strengthening defense ties with the United States and its pro-Western ideology.

“Christodoulides stated last month that Cyprus, which is ethnically divided, could become a member of NATO once the necessary conditions are met.” In addition, he has extended an invitation to FBI and US Department of Justice officials to assist in the training of local law enforcement authorities on the prevention of financial offenses.

A non-aligned foreign policy has been implemented by successive Cypriot governments since their independence from British colonial authority in 1960. This policy has been characterized by a delicate balance between Washington and Moscow.

The effectiveness of Biden enables Cyprus to purchase US-made armaments at a reduced cost, as it would be interacting directly with the US government rather than private corporations.

In addition, Cyprus, which has a gross domestic product that is approximately three-quarters that of Vermont in the United States, will be eligible for surplus US military equipment.

For decades, Cyprus, a member of the European Union, had sought munitions from other countries, including Russia, due to the closure of the US armaments market. It currently maintains a stock of Soviet-era T80 main battle tanks and TOR-M1 anti-aircraft missile batteries.