His plan, presented to US President Joe Biden, received positive responses from Washington and sparked interest in the context of strengthening Cyprus’ geopolitical position in the region. The Cyprus Mail newspaper writes about this.
According to media reports, Cyprus’ plan includes the following key aspects:
- Modernization of defense potential. to meet NATO standards.
- Long-term purchase of US military equipment.
- Training of Cypriot officers in American military academies.
- Strengthen infrastructure, in particular the modernization of the Andreas Papandreou base near Paphos for the possible deployment of US forces.
Washington, apparently, is willing to support this plan, due to the strategic importance of Cyprus. The island’s proximity to the Middle East and its infrastructure, including ports and airports, are already used by the United States and NATO in various operations.
However, Cyprus’ entry into NATO depends on several factors:
- Cyprus settlement — the need to resolve the conflict with Türkiye, which is categorically against Cyprus joining the Alliance.
- Improve relations with Türkiyewhich can be key to reducing tensions.
Discussions about the plan with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in November confirm Nicosia’s seriousness. However, the implementation of such ambitions will inevitably face geopolitical challenges, including Turkish opposition and a complex balance of interests in the region.
Cyprus’ possible entry into NATO could strengthen the Alliance’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean and create new opportunities for stability, but the success of this process depends on diplomatic commitments and cooperation between all parties involved.
Earlier, Kursor reported that Western countries are discussing with the Ukrainian authorities the possibility of ending the war on the principle of “territory in exchange for NATO.” This scheme assumes that Ukraine will become a member of NATO, but without the return of the territories captured by Russia.
