Christodoulides pledges continued efforts to end occupation and reunify Cyprus

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will never abandon efforts to end the Turkish occupation and reunify the island, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday as the Republic marked 66 years of independence. Speaking after the annual Independence Day military parade, he expressed pride in the National Guard and pledged to continue strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

Reunification remains the priority

“We will never abandon the great effort – our number one priority – for the liberation and reunification of our homeland,” Christodoulides said.

He said the Republic had developed and strengthened despite the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the occupation that has continued for 52 years.

Strengthening the Republic also served its primary objective of ending the occupation and achieving reunification, he said.

Domestic and international priorities

Christodoulides said his government aimed to further strengthen Cyprus domestically and internationally. He described a strong and resilient economy as essential to addressing challenges including inflation and the cost of living, while enabling greater investment in health, education, welfare and housing for citizens.

He said Cyprus’ role in a region of particular geostrategic and geopolitical importance was increasingly recognised internationally, strengthening the country’s global standing.

Defence investment and partnerships

The president said Cyprus’ deterrent capability was being steadily strengthened and would continue to be upgraded for as long as the occupation persisted, as well as in recognition of the island’s strategic position as an EU member state.

He welcomed the participation of military contingents from France, the United States, Britain and Egypt in Thursday’s parade, saying their presence reflected Cyprus’ growing international partnerships.

“We are proud of the National Guard,” he said, adding that the government would continue to invest in weapons programmes under a long-term plan, including through EU instruments such as the Safe programme.