Cyprus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the decision taken by the US Government to renew, for 2027 fiscal year, the lifting of defence restrictions (International Traffic in Arms Regulations – ITAR) for the Republic of Cyprus.
A press release issued by the MFA on 13 September said that this decision allows for the export, re-export and transfer of defence equipment and defence services from the US to Cyprus for the specified period.
According to the Ministry, this development constitutes a recognition of the continuous expansion of the strategic partnership and cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the US, including in the field of defence and security. It also reflects the shared priorities of the two countries in the region, as well as their shared commitment to actively promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
It is noted that over the past few years, Cyprus and the US have recorded substantial progress in their cooperation in the areas of security, crisis management and Civilian Evacuation Operations.
This progress, the MFA pointed out, is reflected, among others, in the establishment of the Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue in 2021, the signing of the Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation in 2024, as well as the ability of the Republic of Cyprus to access US defense programs, including Foreign Military Sales and Excess Defence Articles.
In this context, the press release read, the renewal of the exemption from ITAR restrictions contributes to the further deepening of bilateral cooperation.
The Republic of Cyprus, the MFA underlined in its press release, expresses its special appreciation for the continuous bipartisan efforts in the US, and the legislative initiatives in Congress aimed at the long-term extension of the current framework for exemption from ITAR defense restrictions.
Such a development, it is stated, will enhance the predictability and stability of Cyprus-US cooperation in the fields of defense and security, while providing a stable framework for long-term defence procurement planning.
(Source: CNA)
