Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has said that strengthening the National Guard’s deterrent capability remains a top government priority.
Christodoulides made the remarks during a holiday visit to the Larnaca Recruit Training Center, where he praised officers and conscripts and said the government is investing in personnel, working conditions and benefits.
He said defense and security will be among the priorities of Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, and noted that regional instability also requires continued upgrades to the country’s defense posture.
Christodoulides said Cyprus, Greece and Israel agreed during a trilateral meeting this week to expand joint military exercises and deepen cooperation on armaments.
He added that Cyprus aims to make full use of nearly €1.2 billion available through the EU’s SAFE defense funding tool.
The president also announced 231 promotions for permanent non‑commissioned officers in the army, including two women. He met the only woman currently serving compulsory military service in the National Guard and encouraged more women to enlist.
Christodoulides concluded the visit by donating four television sets to the training center.