President Joe Biden issued a directive Wednesday that allows Cyprus to buy arms from the US government and get surplus American military equipment. Cyprus until now was able to buy US military hardware only from private companies.
“The furnishing of defense articles and defense services” to Cyprus, Biden said in his executive action, “will strengthen the security of the United States and promote world peace.”
The US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie D. Fisher said in a post on the social media platform X that the directive is an “important step in deepening the relationship, enhancing security cooperation and promoting stability” in the region.
“The strategic partnership between Cyprus and the US goes from strength to strength,” said President Christodoulides in a post on social media.
“Today yet another significant step is taken, in the field of Security and Defense. Cyprus stands as an enabler and an anchor of stability and security in the EastMed,” he added.
The strategic partnership between and goes from strength to strength. Today yet another significant step is taken, in the field of Security and Defense. Cyprus stands as an enabler and an anchor of stability and security in the EastMed. https://t.co/OGEfkLlrEH
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) January 16, 2025
From Cyprus’ perspective, the development is a key step after the United States in 2020 lifted a decades-long arms embargo on the island nation. The Nicosia government also sees it as an acknowledgment of Cyprus’ reliability as a US partner in the region.
Biden directive allows Cyprus to join 3 US programs
The Biden directive means that Cyprus has now joined the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, and US initiatives providing training and equipment to foreign national security forces.
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program serves as the primary mechanism for the US government to transfer defense equipment, services, and training to international partners and organizations. Eligibility is determined by the president, with the State Department responsible for approving individual cases, as seen in Cyprus’ inclusion.
The Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program enables foreign governments or international organizations to receive surplus defense items already in use by the US Armed Forces. Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, defense equipment declared surplus by the Pentagon can be offered to foreign governments when deemed in alignment with US national security and foreign policy objectives, as is the case with Cyprus.
Additionally, Cyprus has been granted eligibility for Title 10 security assistance programs, which focus on building the capacity of foreign security forces. While Cyprus already met the criteria for certain security cooperation activities under Title 10, the presidential determination expands its participation to include Section 333 Authority to Build Capacity programs.
These programs provide training and equipment aimed at strengthening the ability of foreign national security forces to conduct key operations, such as maritime and border security and counterterrorism.
Cyprus-US relations have improved significantly in recent years, especially after the 2023 election of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides who has underscored Cyprus’ pro-Western stance and commitment to expanding defense ties with the U.S..
Christodoulides last month said the ethnically divided Cyprus could join NATO once conditions allow for it.
He has also invited the FBI and the US Department of Justice officials to help train local law enforcement authorities to stop financial crimes.
Related: Congress Resolution Urges Trump to Prioritize Cyprus Solution