Minister of Defence Vassilis Palmas said Thursday that the Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of its inalienable right to ensure the protection of its citizens, remains determined to preserve peace and security and defend its territorial integrity, sovereign rights and national sovereignty.
In a speech, read out by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Elikkos Elia, at the final phase of the “TAMS IRIS 2025” exercise, the Minister said that Cyprus, as the closest member state of the European Union in a region of particular geostrategic importance, geopolitical rivalries and conflicting interests, is called upon to play the role of a pillar of stability, security and cooperation.
“With consistency and responsibility, we are making every effort to promote dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect among the peoples of the region’, he said.
The Minister noted that “the message of today’s exercise is clear. The Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of its inalienable right to ensure the protection of its citizens, remains determined to preserve peace and security, and to defend its territorial integrity, its sovereign rights and its national sovereignty.’
He said that through targeted actions that include, among others, the utilization of financial and defense programs – such as the European Union’s SAFE tool – the establishment of strategic partnerships with friendly countries, the development and strengthening of the domestic defense industry, as well as the modernization of critical military infrastructure, “we constantly aim to upgrade the National Guard and strengthen the deterrent power of our homeland.’