From Foreign Policy · Alan Makovsky, Jonah Brody · · 2m
U.S.-Cyprus Security Shift
Cyprus now a key U.S. security partner after decades of division.
In brief
Cyprus now a key U.S. security partner after decades of division. Cyprus has become a critical security partner for the U.S., providing defense cooperation and strategic deterrence against Turkish threats. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
U.S.-Cyprus Relations Shift
Washington has drawn closer to Nicosia as ties with Turkey frayed over the past decade.
Cyprus as Security Partner
The Republic of Cyprus has positioned itself as a critical security partner for an increasingly receptive United States.
Bilateral Cooperation Areas
The relationship includes defense, trade, basing, military training, exercises, crisis-response cooperation, and regular strategic dialogue.
Strategic Location
Cyprus’s location at the intersection of Europe and the Middle East makes it a strategic asset for the U.S.
Initial Impetus
Cyprus initiated the security relationship shift, not Washington, despite ongoing division.
Deterrence Against Turkey
The relationship serves as an effective deterrent against Turkish threats, Cyprus’s primary security concern.
International Status Boost
Deepening ties with the U.S. help boost Cyprus’s international status and provide cover for arms relationships with France and Israel.
Turkey’s Response
Turkey has watched these developments warily but so far without a forceful response.
Cyprus’s Division
Since 1974, the ROC has governed only the island’s southern two-thirds while Turkey occupies the northern third.
Historical Context
Cyprus joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 and remained until joining the EU in 2004, which forced it to abandon formal neutrality.
Arms Embargo
The U.S. imposed an arms embargo on Cyprus in 1987 due to concerns about Turkish reactions.
2013 Political Shift
In 2013, the ROC elected pro-Western Nicos Anastasiades as president, replacing his Moscow-friendly predecessor.
U.S. Response
By 2014, then-Vice President Joe Biden described the bilateral relationship as a 'strategic partnership'.
2018 Bilateral Statement
The U.S. and Cyprus signed a 2018 bilateral statement of intent for future security cooperation.
2019 Legislation
The U.S. Congress passed the 2019 Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act, declaring Cyprus a 'key strategic partner'.
Joint Exercises
U.S. Navy SEALs and Cypriot naval teams conducted joint maritime counterterrorism training in 2021 and 2024.
In short
Cyprus has become a critical security partner for the U.S., providing defense cooperation and strategic deterrence against Turkish threats.
