The annual event marking the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Cyprus was held last week at the Cyprus High Commission in London, attended by diplomats, military attachés, representatives of the UK Ministry of Defence, friends of Cyprus and members of the Cypriot community. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain also attended the event.
Guests were welcomed by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the United Kingdom, Dr Kyriacos Kouros, and the Defence Attaché, Lt Col Kyprianos Savva.
In his address, Dr Kouros highlighted the role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Cyprus at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean. He also referred to the continuing Turkish occupation, noting that more than five decades after the 1974 invasion, almost 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus remains under military control.
He expressed the view that there is renewed momentum in efforts to resume substantive negotiations on the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General, stressing President Nikos Christodoulides’ commitment to the process.
The High Commissioner also highlighted Cyprus’ growing geostrategic role and the expansion of its partnerships with countries including Greece, France, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Particular emphasis was placed on Cyprus – UK relations in the fields of defence and security, with Dr Kouros describing London as a natural and important partner for Nicosia. He noted that bilateral cooperation covers, among other areas, military training, crisis management and humanitarian assistance.
As a notable example, he referred to the Amalthea initiative for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through a maritime corridor, highlighting the United Kingdom’s contribution to the initiative.
For his part, Kyprianos Savva spoke about the role of the National Guard as a key pillar of the national sovereignty, independence and security of the Republic of Cyprus.