Greece and Cyprus reinforce defense ties amid shifting US geopolitical strategies

Greek PASOK MP Michalis Katrinis participated in an inter-parliamentary delegation to Cyprus from October 9 to 12. During the visit, which included attending the ‘Morphou Memory Days’ events, Katrinis met with Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas to discuss defense and security challenges under the unified Greece-Cyprus defense doctrine. Katrinis emphasized that the Turkish occupation of Cyprus remains an open wound for Hellenism and a shadow over Europe, stating, “We do not compromise with the occupation, we do not accept partition.”

Separately, shifts in United States geopolitical strategy under the Trump administration are reshaping regional alliances. The introduction of new National Security and National Defense Strategies emphasizes an ‘America First’ doctrine, focusing on domestic protection and delegating regional security responsibilities to local allies. This includes the emergence of a ‘Sunni alliance’ involving Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia through the Mecca Agreement. Analysts suggest this realignment, supported by the US and Israel, aims to shift Middle Eastern conflicts toward a Sunni-Shia framework, a development noted for its significant implications for Greece and Cyprus.