Greek Reporter - Cyprus Marks 65th Anniversary of Independence By Tasos Kokkinidis - October 1, 2025

 

Greek Reporter 

Cyprus Marks 65th Anniversary of Independence

ByTasos Kokkinidis

October 1, 2025

Members of the Cyprus National Guard parade in Nicosia on Wednesday. Credit: Cyprus Presidency

Marking the Republic of Cyprus’s 65th anniversary of independence from British rule, President Nikos Christodoulides stressed the nation’s imperative to solidify its power “through actions, not words,” as it pursues reunification.

Speaking after the annual military parade in Nicosia, the President paid tribute to the island’s difficult past, honoring Eoka fighters at the “imprisoned graves” and later commemorating those who defended the Republic during the conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Niκos Christodoulides, receives the salute of the military parade on the occasion of Cyprus Independence Day. Credit: Cyprus Presidency

“Today we honour all those who defended and continue to defend the Republic of Cyprus, which, despite a devastating blow in its infancy, has survived and evolved into a member state of the European Union,” Christodoulides said.

He outlined the dual strategy necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation and reunification: domestically, by building a strong deterrent force and a robust economy, reinforcing the rule of law, and showing “determination to tackle corruption”; and internationally, by pursuing an outward-looking foreign policy that positions Cyprus as part of the solutions to regional and global challenges, thereby enhancing its international role.

The President also highlighted the participation of Greek fighter jets in the parade, calling their presence “a clear message of the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece…that both countries are pillars of security and stability” in the region.

Greek F-16s flying over the military parade in Nicosia:

US Rubio congratulates Cyprus on Independence Day

Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, congratulated the people of the Republic of Cyprus on the anniversary. In a statement, he said:

“The Republic of Cyprus is a valued partner of the United States. Our collaboration increases commercial trade, combats illicit financial flows, and strengthens regional security, allowing citizens of both our nations to prosper.

We are especially grateful for the Republic of Cyprus’s assistance in securing the safety of U.S. citizens in crisis zones, one of our highest priorities. We are also committed to a Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots.“