CYCLOPS | The cornerstone for the construction of the Security Training Center has been laid – Photos

Defence Redefined

04/01/2021

Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulidis, and the acting US Secretary of Homeland Security, Wolf Chad, spoke about the strong US-Cyprus relationship and the role Washington plays in the Eastern Mediterranean. These talks took place during the groundbreaking ceremony for the facilities of the regional Security Training Center CYCLOPS (Cyprus Center for Land, Open Seas and Port Security) in Larnaca.

The construction is expected to begin in February and the entire project will cost $ 5 million, funded by the US government. The land was granted by the Republic of Cyprus.

In his statements, the American official stated that it is an honor to be on the island for the ceremony and thanked the Republic of Cyprus for the cooperation. The culmination of the joint effort, which has now become emblematic of the way in which bilateral cooperation has been developing and intensifying in recent years, was characterized by today’s ceremony, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis stated.

Mr. Wolf stressed that the CYCLOPS training centre, which will be operated by the Republic of Cyprus, will allow international partners to undergo training in a special facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

“Here, experts from the region will receive advanced guidance on border security, customs and export controls, port and maritime security and cyber security,” Wolf said.

Also read: State Department | Agreement to establish CYCLOPS facilities in Cyprus

He added that regional partners will have the opportunity to learn about the best practices in cyber security, which will provide security for their crucial infrastructure and at the same time participate in cross-border cyber investigations.

“These training platforms will serve as a hub that works closely with partner countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and elsewhere. I have seen this model first hand, I was recently in Central America where we have maintained a similar facility for over a decade,” said the US official.

He referred to the role played by the United States in such facilities, due to the different set of missions, noting that this will certainly continue here in Cyprus.

Mr. Wolf stressed that CYCLOPS is the only significant result of the continued US involvement in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the strong relationship between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus.

“We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus and the region in the coming years,” he concluded.

Information from the US Embassy also states that in the last two years, the United States has built an increasingly fruitful security relationship with the Republic of Cyprus. The two countries are reportedly working on training teams from Mediterranean countries in various security areas. In order to expand and support this cooperation as well as the capabilities of the various countries in the region, Washington and Nicosia have agreed to build a regional training hub in the Republic of Cyprus, that is, CYCLOPS.

The Center will enable the United States and its partners to provide enhanced technical security assistance, including border security, customs and export controls, port and maritime security and cyber security.

The Center includes various practical training platforms and equipment, trainers and other support for capacity building. The Republic of Cyprus is contributing the land for the construction of the Center, it will facilitate travel and will provide the required trainers.

Also read: Greece and the USA expressed the desire to strengthen 3 + 1 cooperation