 held their third Defense and Security Dialogue){kind=link}
On September 11, 2024, the United States and the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) held their third Defense and Security Dialogue in Nicosia, Cyprus. The meeting aimed to deepen the two countries’ security cooperation and promote stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The U.S. delegation was led by Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy, Alton Buland. It included representatives from U.S. European Command, the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, and the New Jersey National Guard. The Cypriot delegation was led by Brigadier General Charis Georgiou, head of the ROC’s Ministry of Defense’s military staff.
Reviewing Progress in Security Cooperation
Both delegations reviewed progress in their joint security efforts. They discussed advancements in international military education and training, joint military exercises, and celebrated the one-year anniversary of Cyprus joining the State Partnership Program. This program partners the New Jersey National Guard with the Republic of Cyprus.
The discussions focused on ways to build upon the recently signed U.S.-ROC Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation Efforts. This agreement sets the direction for defense cooperation between the two countries over the next five years. It was signed on September 9, 2024, by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander, and Cyprus’ Minister of Defense, Vasilis Palmas.
The U.S.-ROC Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation
The roadmap represents a significant improvement in the defense cooperation between Cyprus and the United States. It outlines priorities and areas of cooperation for the next five years. Both countries aim to enhance stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean through closer collaboration.
This agreement builds on discussions from the second U.S.-ROC Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue held in Washington, D.C., in June 2024. It emphasises the region’s shared commitment to preserving law and order, security, and peace.
Wallander’s Visit to Cyprus
Assistant Secretary Wallander visited Cyprus on September 9–10, 2024. She discussed bilateral cooperation and regional events with ROC President Nikos Christodoulides during her visit. She also made a visit to the Larnaca Joint Rescue Coordination Center. Wallander complimented Cyprus for its initiative in providing humanitarian relief and assistance to its inhabitants in need throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
Joint Efforts to Address Regional Security Concerns
The U.S. and Cyprus recognize the importance of stability in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. They understand that security challenges in the region are complex and constantly evolving. Both nations believe that close cooperation is essential to maintain peace, stability, and democratic principles in the region.
The roadmap signed on September 9 reaffirms the commitment of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Defence (MOD) to work together on security issues. The roadmap focuses on several key areas:
– Humanitarian Crisis Response: Both countries will collaborate to improve their ability to respond to regional humanitarian emergencies.
– National Security and Climate Change: The roadmap highlights the need to understand and address the impact of climate change on national security.
– Countering Malign Influence: The U.S. and Cyprus will work together to counter foreign influence that threatens the region’s stability.
– Military Interoperability: The two nations aim to improve the ability of their military forces to work together through joint exercises and training.
A Vision for a Secure and Stable Region
The enhanced defense cooperation between the U.S. and Cyprus reflects their shared commitment to regional security. The roadmap offers both countries a framework to address current and future security challenges. Through joint efforts, they aim to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The U.S. and Cyprus will continue to work together to ensure stability and to support shared policy goals in the region. The roadmap is a clear sign of the growing partnership between the two nations, and it paves the way for deeper collaboration in the years to come.
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