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- Ελληνικά
As part of the presentation of the government's work for the first year of government, Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas held a press conference today to take stock of the year, as well as to present the objectives and planning for 2024 - 2025.
The press conference was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, and the Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Andreas P. Loukas.
In his introduction, Mr. Palmas said that the first year of his administration was a period of time full of challenges and new developments, not only locally but also at the European and international level.
He then added that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set as its primary objective the strengthening of the defence and security of the homeland and our people, as well as ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus against any aggression.
He then referred to the strategic objectives of the MoD for the implementation of its vision and goals, which are broken down into three main pillars.
(b) Clean environment.
(c) State - catalyst for digital transformation.
Concluding his introduction, Mr. Palmas said that objectives have been set that reflect the policies of the President's programme of governance, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides and are aimed at strengthening the defence and security of the country, as well as strengthening the functioning of the Ministry's structures through the rational use of the resources at our disposal.
Objectives achieved in the first year of governance
Regarding the major objectives achieved in the first year of governance, Mr. Palmas mentioned. [*]The upgrading of defence facilities, infrastructure and assets of the National Defence Force. [*]The upgrading of Cyprus-Greece cooperation. [*]The strengthening of existing and promotion of new bilateral, trilateral and multilateral cooperation. [*]The upgrading of Cyprus - USA cooperation. [*]The signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JCD) with the Federal Republic of Germany. [*]Participation in actions and programmes within the framework of the Common Defence and Security Policy. [*]Participation of National Guard personnel in United Nations actions and missions. [*]Participation in ongoing programmes of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and the European Defence Agency. [*]The implementation of targeted actions aimed at creating a National Research and Innovation Ecosystem. [*]The development of cooperation with the Research and Innovation Foundation (R&I Foundation). [*]The financial and administrative support for the participation of Cypriot entities in Research and Development projects of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and the European Defence Fund. [*]The enhancement of capabilities of the Search and Rescue (R & R) services. [*]The implementation of in-house training by the R & R Training Centre. [*]The upgrading of cyber security infrastructure. [*]The interconnection of the Ministry of Civil Protection / Land Use Sector with the Department of Land Surveying and Cadastre. [*]The announcement and award of a tender for the development of the digital service for the provision of Census Services. [*]The modernisation of the legislative framework, including personnel issues. [*]The formulation of the terms of employment, promotion and salary upgrading of SYOs. [*]The organisation by the Defence and Security Academy of 16 seminars and trainings in Cyprus and abroad. [*]The opportunity for participation of National Guardsmen and NPCs in programmes of the Productivity Centre (KEPA) [*]The implementation of actions for the updating/revision of the Emergency Planning Policy. [*]The preparation of Management Environmental Assessments for the Kalo Village and Xydos Fields of Fire. [*]The utilization of Renewable Energy Sources in N.F. facilities [/LIST]
The 2024-2025 targets
After reporting on what has been achieved during the first year of government, the Minister of Defence presented the targets set for 2024 - 2025.
In this regard, he mentioned. [*]The conclusion and signing of new agreements with friendly countries. [*]The continuation of actions that will contribute to the development of the Cyprus Defence Industry. [*]To study the development of a platform for the electronic submission of applications of candidates for the Production Schools. [*]The improvement of the 'Declaration of Reservists' Data System and the completion of the 'Call-up of Reservists' System. [*]Coordination with other bodies in view of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) by the Republic of Cyprus in the first half of 2026. [/LIST]
In conclusion, Mr. Palmas expressed his thanks to the President of the Republic for the honour of entrusting him with the portfolio of the Ministry of Defence, his predecessor Mr. Michael Yiorgalla, during whose tenure much of the objectives set during the first year of his administration were completed, the current and former Chief of the National Guard, the Director General, the Chief of Staff and the staff of the Ministry of Defence, without whose assistance the work would not have been possible.
(GA/EP)
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