Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy Andrew L. Winternitz led a U.S. Department of Defense delegation September 24 for the inaugural U.S.-Republic of Cyprus Security Cooperation Dialogue. The Cypriot delegation was led by the Head of Defense Policy and International Affairs Department, Commander Demetris Kasinis and hosted at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.
Since the United States signed a Statement of Intent on Security Cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus in 2018, both countries have taken remarkable steps to strengthen their security and defense bilateral relationship. The growing cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus and our shared interests in the Eastern Mediterranean aim to tackle emerging transnational threats and contribute to regional stability and security. Recent developments in the relationship include the first Cypriot students participating in the U.S. International Military Education and Training program, and increased combined training activities and exercises between the Cypriot National Guard and the U.S. military.
During the consultations, the delegations reviewed recent developments and progress on security and defense cooperation as well as discussed ways to further enhance defense and military cooperation going forward. The Delegations also had the opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest in order to address regional and global challenges.