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Norway has lifted its over 65-year arms embargo on the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA), a move that drew strong condemnation from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which warned it would harm the delicate balance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides announced the decision after a phone call with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, saying Oslo had decided to open applications for the export of defense-related and dual-use products for military use.
“I warmly welcome Norway’s decision to open applications for the export of defense-related and dual-use products for military use to Cyprus,” Christodoulides wrote on social media platform X. He described it as “a significant step in strengthening our bilateral defense cooperation.”
According to reports in Greek Cypriot media, Norway lifted the embargo due to the GCA’s “stabilizing role” in the Eastern Mediterranean and its reputation as a “reliable partner.” The decision will allow the GCA’s National Guard to apply for defense and military equipment imports from Norway.
Norway first imposed the arms embargo in 1959 under a policy restricting weapons exports to countries facing internal conflict or a risk of war.
The TRNC Foreign Ministry criticized the decision in a written statement, calling it “a decision that seriously harms the increasingly fragile balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and falls far short of contributing to regional stability and security.”
The statement recalled that the Norwegian Parliament had introduced the 1959 law banning arms sales to countries experiencing or at risk of conflict, and that Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide personally informed Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides on Nov. 7, 2025, of the decision to lift the restriction.
“The Norwegian government’s decision allowing the armament of the Greek Cypriot side contradicts its traditional peace-oriented foreign policy,” the TRNC said. “This decision is extremely damaging to the already delicate balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and does not contribute to the stability and security environment in the region.”
The ministry added that lasting peace on the island “can only be achieved through recognition of the equal rights of both peoples and the establishment of mutual trust.” It warned that “such unilateral decisions make it difficult to reach this goal and endanger the current situation.”
The statement also urged Norway “to refrain from encouraging the Greek Cypriot side’s provocative stance and contributing to its armament tendencies,” calling on Oslo to instead adopt “an approach based on the realities of the island that supports regional stability and peace.”
The TRNC concluded by emphasizing that it would continue to take necessary steps together with Türkiye to preserve stability and defend its rights in the region.
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