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It is a great honour and a great pleasure to be present at the Zygios Battlefield, where you had the opportunity to watch a demonstration of the operational capabilities of selected units of the National Guard, celebrating with us the 60th anniversary of its establishment.
The evolutionary course of the National Guard, through the modernization of the existing weapon systems and the upgraded capabilities of the new means that we are about to acquire, makes it a powerful tool for the realization of the civil-military aspirations of the Republic of Cyprus. The ongoing reinforcement does not only concern systems and equipment, after all, our personnel have been and will continue to be the most important force multiplier and the most decisive guarantor of Victory and Success on the Battlefield.
Through the optimal and rational utilization of the material and human resources entrusted to us by the State and based on the trust of society, we will continue to adapt, but also to shape, as far as possible, the developments, so that we are able to respond to every challenge with speed, determination and precision, bringing about the desired result "in situ".
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is certain that National Guard is progressing and changing, no one can deny this. Developments bring new demands and new demands require us to take on new work. What is required, however, is to increase the pace of upgrading and improvement in order to at least keep up with and adapt to ever-changing developments, which are taking shape more rapidly than before. No matter how good we are, we must become better. And this is an effort for which no one is spared.
We know who we are and that we do not have unlimited resources. Cyprus does not have armies to oppose. But as a nation we have never been many. In the face of the numerical superiority of the opponent, we put forward our qualitative superiority. The active strength of the National Guard is complemented by our reservists and National Guardsmen, who are the elements that further enhance our operational capabilities.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of the demonstration. In particular, I want to highlight the response of the National Guardsmen, who were alerted, and in a very short time they prepared and participated, demonstrating both consistency and timeliness. As I have said before, the National Guard is supported by the whole of society, both with the reservists and the militiamen.
It also has the confidence of the State and the support of the Cypriot society, effectively assisting the state mechanism to deal with any kind of crisis. It is ready to respond at any time, wherever needed, with consistency and reliability, with personnel, means and expertise.
I can assure you that we will continue on the same path of duty and selfless offer, which was carved by our predecessors during these 60 years, producing the highest good of security for the benefit of the Cypriot Hellenism. Security, which ensures its ability to work, to prosper, to have fun, to spend its summer, to rejoice and even to mourn during these dark days of July. The continued existence of an occupying army for 50 years requires of us the utmost readiness and dedication to the objective in order to fulfil our sacred mission.
Allow me to express some thoughts to the Defence Attaches and representatives of other countries whom we are hosting here today.
Dear colleagues,
You have witnessed a brief demonstration of our operational capabilities and what our women and men do almost all year round in order to improve the operational skills, procedures, understanding, operating and combat readiness of our Armed Forces, the National Guard.
We are living in an era in which we face numerous conventional, as well as as hybrid threats that clearly demonstrate that our safety lies in unity and collective strength. Together, we are stronger.
This is why, Cyprus has been increasingly implementing an outward looking foreign policy and acts as an enabler and a facilitator of regional security and defence cooperation as well as an interlocutor between Europe and the region.
I can assure you that the Armed Forces of Cyprus will maintain their focus on our primary mission's readiness and status, and will continue to build and foster regional defence collaborations, complementarity and understanding.
The recent events in our region have shown us that preparation and cooperation make us ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The National Guard is working towards interoperability with esteemed friends and allies. We have been testing it for the past few months and we are ready to proceed as needed.
Your Excellency Mr. President,
Your presence here today is a great honour for all of us, gives us strength and courage to continue our work, confirms our belief in the undivided interest of the political leadership in the National Guard and reminds us of our obligations and responsibilities towards the Cypriot people.
In closing, I would like to thank you all for honouring us with your presence here.
Happy Birthday to the National Guard.
(AS/MS)
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