The Chief of the National Guard discussed the upgrading and expansion of cooperation between the armed forces of Cyprus and France, Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, in Paris, during his recent official visit, at the invitation of his counterpart, the Chief of Defence Staff of France, General Thierry Burkhard, on the occasion of the international exhibition "EUROSATORY 2022".
According to the statement of the General Staff, the Chief of the National Guard was in France between 13 and 15 June, accompanied by a delegation of officers of the General Staff of the National Guard. During the visit, it is noted that the constantly developing multifaceted relations between the Armed Forces (AF) of the two countries were reaffirmed, "which are anchored in positions of values and principles stemming from their participation in the European family, but also more broadly from international law."
During the private meeting of the Chief of the National Defence Forces (NDF), the Chief of the National Defence Forces (NDF) was accompanied by the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Cyprus. with General Burkhard, it is reported that they discussed developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and noted common concerns regarding security and stability issues in the wider region, while the discussion also covered developments in Eastern Europe, regional developments in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, as well as the corresponding international developments in relation to the crisis in Ukraine.
At the same time, they discussed the implementation of the Bilateral Military Cooperation Programme 2022-23, which was signed on 9 June 2022 and which is part of the wider network of international cooperation that the AF has developed with the armed forces of friendly and allied countries.
The two sides explored the possibility of further strengthening the dynamic military cooperation between Cyprus and France in other areas of common interest.
As noted, views were exchanged on the development of multilateral cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where "the dynamics and the prospect of further development of the Quadrilateral Initiative (QUAD Initiative) between Cyprus, France, Greece and Italy" were confirmed. In the context of the contacts, it is noted that the intention to further upgrade and expand cooperation between the two countries' NDFs in other areas of common interest, at bilateral and multilateral level, was recorded.
In addition, it was noted the common desire to exploit every possible opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Cyprus and French Air Forces, both in the framework of the actions of the EU's Common Defence and Security Policy, as well as at the bilateral level, and in particular to further exploit the regular presence of French Air Forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, to conduct mutually beneficial exercises and co-training with the National Guard.
According to the statement, during his presence in the French capital, the Chief of the National Guard laid a wreath on Monday 13/6 at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe, paying tribute to the dead of the French nation. In the evening of the same day, he attended the official reception hosted by the French Minister of Defence, Sebastien Lecornu, in honour of the official guests at "EUROSATORY 2022".
The Chief of the National Guard also visited the General Staff of the French National Defence, where he was briefed on the vision, challenges and operations of the French National Defence Forces. He also visited the Institute of Higher Studies in National Defence (IHEDN), where he was briefed by its Director, Lieutenant General Benoit Durieux, on the activities of the Institute, and discussed and explored the prospects of cooperation with the National Guard in its training programmes, both in a bilateral and European context.
Lieutenant General Zervakis also visited the exhibition area of "EUROSATORY 2022", where he was informed about the latest developments, as well as future trends in the field of development of weapon systems and capabilities, both from the European defence industry and more broadly. In particular, regarding the Cypriot and Greek companies participating in the exhibition, Mr. Zervakis visited their stands and was informed about the innovative technologies and applications they offer in the field of defence.
It is noted that during the visit to Paris, the Cypriot delegation visited the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of France, where they met with Metropolitan Demetrios and the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris, where the Chief of the National Defence Force met with the Ambassador, George Siakalli. During the meeting, there was a discussion and exchange of views on issues concerning mainly the relations between Cyprus and France as well as on the development of the bilateral military cooperation programme.
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