Türkiye criticises extension of US arms embargo waiver

Türkiye’s Defence Ministry has criticised the United States’ decision to extend the lifting of its arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot administration for another year, saying the move could negatively affect the sensitive balance and climate of trust on the island.

In a statement following its weekly press briefing, the Turkish Defence Ministry said the US decision to extend the lifting of the arms embargo until September 30, 2027 could have a negative impact on the sensitive balance and climate of trust in Cyprus.

The Ministry called on third parties to refrain from actions that could upset the balance on the island and from practices which, it said, disregard the Turkish Cypriot people.

It said Türkiye, as a guarantor country, would continue to cooperate with the Turkish Cypriot authorities in taking what it described as necessary measures to ensure the security, peace and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots.

The Ministry also addressed the Mekke Defence Alliance, describing it as an agreement between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia based on defence cooperation and collective deterrence.

It said the agreement was not directed against any country and was not intended as an alternative to the three countries’ existing relations with third countries.

 According to the Ministry, work is continuing to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability and defence capacity among the three countries and to further institutionalise the alliance.