Cyprus is expected to play a significant role in future European Union–NATO cooperation as it prepares to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, a senior official has said.
Viktoras Papadopoulos, director of the presidential press office, said anti-NATO rhetoric is outdated and emphasized Cyprus’s active participation in the EU’s evolving defense and security framework. He noted that only two EU member states remain outside NATO.
Speaking on state broadcaster RIK, Papadopoulos said President Nikos Christodoulides recently met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Copenhagen to discuss regional security.
Papadopoulos also confirmed that a delegation from the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard will travel to the United States from October 27 to 30. Cyprus has submitted a list of specific weapons systems of interest.
He added that U.S. experts will begin a high-cost feasibility study to upgrade the Paphos air base, with all expenses covered by the United States.