Cypriot National Guard Commander Strengthens Military Cooperation with the US

Strategic Insights -

Cypriot National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, led a delegation of officers from the National Guard General Staff on an official visit to the US from April 29 to May 6, reaffirming the steadfast commitment of the Cypriot and US armed forces to strengthen cooperation. During the visit, Tsitsikostas met with high-ranking officials from the US Department of Defense and the US National Guard, including the Acting Chief of the Joint Staff of the US Armed Forces, Admiral Christopher Grady, and the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Michael F. Miller. The discussions centered on mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of programs such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Excess Defense Articles (EDA), and Article 10, which are essential tools for enhancing the capabilities of allied and partner countries, including the Republic of Cyprus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cypriot National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, led a delegation of officers on an official visit to the US from April 29 to May 6, highlighting the commitment of the Cypriot and US armed forces to strengthen cooperation.
  • Tsitsikostas met with high-ranking officials, including Admiral Christopher Grady, Acting Chief of the Joint Staff of the US Armed Forces, and Michael F. Miller, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), to discuss mechanisms for implementing programs like Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Excess Defense Articles (EDA), and Article 10.
  • The discussions focused on enhancing the capabilities of allied and partner countries, including the Republic of Cyprus, through cooperation in defense and security.
  • The Cypriot National Guard Commander also met with the Commander of the New Jersey National Guard, Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, and the Joint Chiefs of the US National Guard to discuss bilateral security cooperation.
  • Participated in the Special Operations Forces Conference (SOF Week 2025) with over 23,000 participants from 60 countries, which was attended by veterans, officials, Armed Forces Chiefs, and politicians.
  • Held meetings with the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), General Bryan P. Fenton, and the Commander of U.S. Special Operations in Europe (SOCEUR), General Richard E. Angle.
  • Discussed issues of bilateral interest with a focus on strengthening operational cooperation, exchanging expertise in the field of Special Operations, and exploring opportunities for joint training activities to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two countries.

Statistics:

  • Over 23,000 participants from 60 countries attended the Special Operations Forces Conference (SOF Week 2025).
  • The Cypriot National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, held meetings with high-ranking officials from the US Department of Defense and the US National Guard.
  • The National Guard General Staff press release stated that the Chief of the National Guard held meetings with the Acting Chief of the Joint Staff of the US Armed Forces, Admiral Christopher Grady, and the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Michael F. Miller.
  • The Cypriot National Guard Commander also attended the activities of the Special Operations Conference (SOF Week 2025) and the United Nations headquarters in New York meeting.

Sources:

  • "Cyprus National Guard" press release, [No date]
  • "Cypriot National Guard Commander Meets with US Counterparts" article, [No date]