Speaking at ‘Stavros Stylianides’ army camp in Kornos, Nicosia, where he wished conscripts and officers a ‘Happy Easter’, President Nikos Christodoulides said the National Guard was now “stronger than ever”.

“The Republic of Cyprus, a member state under Turkish occupation, a member state of the European Union, a state in the broader region, a region with particular geostrategic importance, has an obligation – and this is what we are doing – to continuously strengthen its deterrent power,” he added.

Christodoulides said a cabinet decision was taken earlier on Wednesday, which approved the procedure to hire new contract soldiers with better terms of employment.

Speaking after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the ministers agreed to announce 700 new contract soldier vacancies after the Easter holidays.

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Christodoulides furthermore said Cyprus will be sending the first Cypriot to train at the US Naval Academy in September.

The president said military equipment was also being enhanced, however he did not wish to go into details. “It is something that is a priority for our government,” he added.

Christodoulides said that Cyprus was also part of the European Union’s efforts to strengthen its defence.
Referring to the contract soldiers, Palmas said these had been established in 2016 and had contributed to improving the operational readiness and capability of the National Guard.

Since then, some areas in need of improvement were determined, he added.

Furthermore, to make the job more attractive and to prevent people from leaving for better opportunities, Palmas said improvements to the employment terms were made, including a general pay rise and an allowance for those serving in special departments.

Successful candidates will be placed on a combined salary scale, following the retirement of 1,100 contract officers.

Palmas said the new contract soldiers will be hired over a period of time, starting in the autumn of 2026.
Those working for ten years will be given the option to apply for a contract officer post and extend their retirement age to 57 years.

Palmas said the first contract soldiers would be completing ten years of service in 2026.