The president of Cyprus says the Mediterranean island nation could apply to become a member of NATO when its armed forces receive the necessary training and equipment with U.S. help to bring it up to the standards of the world's premier military alliance.

Cyprus wants to be ready for the possibility of becoming a NATO member, President Nikos Christodoulides said Thursday, even though Turkey pledges to veto such a move.

NATO member Türkiye on Thursday slammed Greek Cypriot administration’s plans to apply for membership in the military alliance as 'unacceptable.'

Turkey lashed out at Cyprus, after its president, Nikos Christodoulides, reiterated the island nation’s aspirations to join NATO.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the island republic plans to apply for NATO membership when the time is right. Speaking on Cypriot radio, Christodoulides said he is aware that NATO member Turkey is opposed to this move as long as the island remains divided and Turkish Cypriots do not have a say in the decision.

President Nikos Christodoulides put Cyprus on a trajectory for possible NATO membership, ending weeks of media speculation about his government's intentions following his meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington last month.