The Minister of National defence Mr. Nikos Dendias, in his statements he jointly made with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Michalis Giorgallas, stated the following:

“Mister Minister, my dear Michalis, it is a great honour for me to be again in Cyprus, in Nicosia, this time under the hat of Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic. First of all, I would like to thank you for your warm welcome and assure you that for us, the deepening of our relation and defence cooperation is top priority.

I would also like to extend my warmest condolences on the loss of the Cadet the previous days, to you, to the Cypriot society, and of course to his family.

Our discussions today confirmed one thing: Our strong will to deepen and enlarge our coordination at bilateral level, but also at EU, and friends and allies’ level.

We discussed very specific and practical steps we need to take, and also ways to expand our Armed Forces’ interoperability.

We discussed on how we could enhance our trilateral cooperation with friendly countries. Given this opportunity, I would like to say something I always say, that – irrespective of position, the trilateral and quadrilateral cooperation of the Hellenic and the Cypriot Republic do not turn against anyone, they are not tools against another country. On the contrary, they are open to welcoming other countries who would wish to participate under international law.

I would also like to say that we had the chance to discuss the broader security situation in this area of the planet, the East Mediterranean, that has enormous strategic value.

We exchanged views, and will also discuss over lunch on this issue: apart from anything else, due to the Russian invasion to Ukraine, there are lessons to be learnt from this conflict.

Of course, Cyprus and Greece are on the side of International Law; besides, it is on this basis – International Law and the Law of the sea – that we have built our defence cooperation.

I would also like to say, as a general remark, that the de-escalation of the tension in the broader region of the East Mediterranean is welcome, and that I really hope that it will carry on and form the possibility to have a climate of confidence.

Naturally, all this should be founded on the UN Charter, with respect to International Law and the Law of the Sea, and strongly condemning the threat of the use of force, and the use of force itself.

In this context, we carry on with our undivided support to achieving an equitable and viable solution of the Cyprus Issue, and will always do so.

A solution that will be based on the resolutions of the UN Security Council; a solution for a two-zoned, twin community federation, compatible with the European acquis, this important ethics, the proudest in the history of the planet, part of which are both our countries.

I would also like to remind our firm position, that for us the solution of two states is not acceptable. We help, and will always help, the Republic of Cyprus to their effort to avoid faits accomplis. I have repeatedly said that, for us, Cyprus is not too far away.

Let me also add that, as new Minister of National Defence, I had the opportunity to congratulate my friend, the Minister, on enhancing the capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as on the planning that President Christodoulides, the Minister and the Cypriot Government have made for the future.

Our two countries, our two Republics, Greece and Cyprus, will always be together, on the front line. In what capacity? As strongholds of stability, security and peace in the area.

Michalis, I am looking forward to our cooperation, it is a great joy for me to have discussed in detail with you today the matters that concern us, and I look forward to returning your warm hospitality in Athens.

I wish you all the best”.