Cyprus Announces Plans to Apply for NATO Membership

President Nikos Christodoulides confirms the intent to join NATO despite Turkey's objections tied to the island's division.

Cyprus has officially announced its intention to apply for NATO membership, marking the first time the country has openly declared this ambition.
Turkey, a NATO member, opposes Cyprus' potential membership, citing the island's division and the exclusion of Turkish Cypriots from decision-making as key issues.
President Christodoulides stated that Cyprus is preparing its military to meet NATO standards, including enhanced cooperation with the United States on air and naval bases.
The island has been divided since 1974, with the northern part occupied by Turkish forces and recognized only by Turkey as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The United Nations continues to facilitate efforts to restart peace talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, but no resolution has been reached to date.