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Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas met today with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, as part of his first official visit to Cyprus since taking office. The visit took place at the invitation of the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus.
The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest, with emphasis on the security situation in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, the strengthening of bilateral defence and military cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, the deepening of trilateral and multilateral regional defence cooperation, as well as the broadening of the scope of cooperation on new emerging issues such as cyber defence and climate change.
The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest, with emphasis on the security situation in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, the strengthening of bilateral defence and military cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, the deepening of trilateral and multilateral regional defence cooperation, as well as the broadening of the scope of cooperation on new emerging issues such as cyber defence and climate change. In addition, views were exchanged on cooperation between the two countries within the EU and the exploitation of various European initiatives in the field of defence.
"Mr. Minister of National Defence of Greece,
Dear Niko,
It is a great honour to welcome you today in Cyprus, on your first official visit since assuming your new duties.
Unfortunately, a few days ago, the untimely death, during training, of the second year Evelpidos, brought sadness to the National Guard and the Evelpidon School. I would like to thank the Greek Armed Forces for their sympathy and support at this difficult time.
Dear Minister,
Your visit gives us the opportunity to reaffirm the solid foundations on which the fraternal relations between Cyprus and Greece are built.
With the establishment of the High Council for Intergovernmental Cooperation, announced by the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Prime Minister of Greece, in conjunction with the activation of the political consultation body of the Ministries of Defence on defence cooperation issues, we intend to further deepen our cooperation, enhancing consultation structures and coordination of actions to address any common challenge and threat.
Continuing on the path of strengthening our trilateral and multilateral regional defence formations and broadening issues of common interest to new emerging issues, such as cyber defence and climate change, are only part of the common goals we have set. Through our cooperation, we have succeeded in ensuring that our countries play a key role in the Eastern Mediterranean region and are attractive partners and reliable collaborators at regional, European and international level.
This is evidenced by the multitude of partnerships that we have jointly developed in recent years, with your decisive contribution from your position in the previous government of Greece.
With regard to our cooperation within the EU, to take advantage of the various European initiatives in the Cyprus' recent participation in the Mistral missile joint procurement programme with France and other EU states is part of this context.
All our actions have a single purpose. To strengthen our deterrence capability and enhance our operational readiness against any threat, any encroachment and any destabilising behaviour, both in Cyprus and more broadly in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish military occupation remains the main threat and therefore we cannot be complacent. Greece is our constant and selfless supporter.
In view of the sad black anniversary of the Turkish invasion of 20 July 1974, we stress that, as the Republic of Cyprus, we remain steadfastly committed to defending our sovereign rights, international law and the fundamental values of the EU. Namely, human dignity, freedom, democracy and human rights.
Dear Minister,
I wish you every success in your new duties. I look forward to our close and productive cooperation for the benefit of the defence and security of Cyprus and Greece, Greece and Cyprus.
Thank you for your attention."
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