Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas on Friday praised Cyprus’ strengthening relations with the United States at the confirmation ceremony of Leonidas Pheraiou, the first Cypriot national to enrol at the United States Naval Academy.
Defence ties
“Bilateral relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the US in the fields of defence and security are currently at their highest level, based on mutual trust and a common vision for stability and security in the wider region,” he said.
Pheraiou’s achievement
Palmas congratulated Pheraiou on his “significant success” in receiving a place at the academy and said the achievement could motivate more young people to follow a similar path. He also said he had no doubt Pheraiou would “serve and honour the Republic of Cyprus, your family, the army, and yourself with your presence in the United States.”
United States Naval Academy
Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy trains those who aim to serve in the US navy and marines. It was established in 1845.
Notable graduates include late US President Jimmy Carter and astronaut Sunita Williams.
Recent military cooperation
Military ties between Cyprus and the United States have strengthened in recent years. Cyprus was authorised last year to buy military hardware directly from the US government after joining three programmes run by the US Department of Defense.
The country was incorporated into the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency’s Foreign Military Sales programme and its Excess Defence Articles programme, and will be allocated resources under the US “Title 10” security assistance provisions.