The Republic of Cyprus has formally requested military equipment from the United States, available either free of charge or at reduced prices, under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme, President Nikos Christodoulides revealed in an interview with Plus TV.
He said the Ministry of Defence sent a list last week outlining the equipment Cyprus is interested in acquiring, expressing optimism that the US Government will give the green light.
Cooperation on defence infrastructure
Christodoulides added that the government is intensifying cooperation with foreign governments on defence projects, including the “Andreas Papandreou” air base and the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base at Mari.
Specifically, he said the United States has shown interest in the upgrade of the air base, while France has expressed interest in modernising the naval base.
Contacts are also under way with the President of the European Commission, he noted, to secure financial support from the Commission for the naval base so that it can also be used by EU member states.
Turkey and EU defence funding
The President further pointed out that in order for Turkey to participate in the EU’s Safe financing programme for defence equipment, it would need to have a defence agreement with the Union – a decision that requires unanimity in the Council, where Cyprus is represented.
CNA