arms embargo — Norway has lifted its 65-year-old arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus, a decision hailed as historic and a diplomatic success by the Cypriot government. The embargo, which had been in place since 1959, was formally lifted following a telephone call between Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday evening.
The lifting of the embargo allows Norway to once again process applications for the export of military defence and dual-use equipment to Cyprus. Government Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis remarked that this decision stemmed from a “targeted diplomatic effort” and signifies the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus as a “reliable partner and a factor of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Diplomatic sources indicate that the discussions leading to this pivotal decision began last month during the Gaza ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. During that meeting, the Norwegian Foreign Minister had informed President Christodoulides of Norway’s intention to lift the sales ban on weapons systems to Cyprus. President Christodoulides expressed his satisfaction, calling the intention a “very positive development.” Eide’s subsequent phone call to Christodoulides confirmed Norway’s final decision.
The context of Norway’s move is believed to be linked to the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. As a non-EU member, Norway aims to maintain open channels of communication with the bloc, especially through participation in summit meetings hosted by the presiding member. The decision to lift the embargo is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Nicosia.
This shift holds considerable significance for Cyprus, particularly for its National Guard. Cyprus had long been interested in acquiring military sighting systems from Norway, but the embargo had previously hindered these plans. With the embargo lifted, Cyprus can now pursue the acquisition of modern military systems, enhancing defence cooperation between the two nations.
In response to the announcement, President Christodoulides welcomed the decision on social media, describing it as a “significant step in strengthening our bilateral defence cooperation.” A government source elaborated that the embargo, originally imposed in 1959, was part of Norway’s broader policy to avoid exporting arms to nations embroiled in conflict. The lifting of this long-standing restriction is viewed as a recognition of Cyprus’s role as a reliable partner and a stabilising force in the region.
