US Senate's passing of NDAA very important step in Cyprus-US relations, Spokesperson says

Another very important step has been implemented in strengthening and deepening relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the US, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said, after the US Senate passed the US Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) 2025.

In a 18 December update of a post he wrote on 12 December, Letymbiotis wrote on 'X' "with an overwhelming majority, (85 for 14 against) the NDAA 2025 was also passed by the US Senate. It will be forwarded immediately to the POTUS for his signature, at which point it will take effect."

"Another very important step is implemented in strengthening and deepening relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the US," he noted.

On the 12 December Letymbiotis had written that "yesterday's amendment 1233 to the US Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) is a strategic milestone and a decisive step, highlighting the increased geopolitical and military importance the United States attaches to the Republic of Cyprus."

He added that "with the inclusion of Cyprus in the list of states that meet the criteria for participation in multilateral military training programmes under the auspices of the USA, along with countries in Eastern Europe, Cyprus will become the only non-NATO and Partnership for Peace (CPE) state to be included in this list of countries."

This development, he continued, "is part of the broader context of the broadening and deepening of the Cyprus-US strategic cooperation, which is now also being strengthened at the legislative level."

"The inclusion of the amendment in the final text of the NDAA Act 2025, with broad bipartisan support (281 votes for and 140 against), demonstrates the stability and institutional upgrading of our bilateral relations."

He also added that "with the imminent approval of the bill by the Senate and its signature by the President, the Cyprus National Guard will gain the right to participate in multilateral military exercises until 2027."

"This step underscores the US recognition of Cyprus' critical strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean. The gradual strengthening of bilateral relations through the Strategic Dialogue and tangible initiatives such as this one highlights our country as a pillar of stability and cooperation in the wider region."

(Sources: CNA/ X)