The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias made the following statement:

The Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis earlier had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.

In addition, over the past couple of days, I have been in constant communication with my counterpart, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Vasilis Palmas.

Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured Mr. Palmas that, throughout the current crisis, Greece will contribute in every possible way to the defence of the Republic of Cyprus in order to address threats and illegal actions on its territory.

Therefore, pursuant to the decision by the Government Council for National Security, Frigate “KIMON” and a second Greek Frigate equipped with the “KENTAVROS” system are promptly sent to the Republic of Cyprus. A pair of F-16 fighter aircraft is also sent to the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to its defence against the threats it is facing.

Moreover, I am departing tomorrow for Cyprus, with the Chief/HNDGS, General Dimitrios Choupis, where I will be received by President Nikos Christodoulides and I will work together with Vasilis Palmas”.