Cyprus and Greece to re-design their defense cooperation

Relations between Cyprus and Greece in the field of defense and security, as well as defense cooperation, were discussed during a meeting held Monday in Nicosia between Defense Minister Fotis Fotiou and Chief of the General Staff of National Defence of Greece, General Michalis Kostarakos.

In statements after the meeting, the Minister expressed Cyprus’ gratitude to Greece for its long-lasting support, recalling that Cyprus is a country occupied by Turkish troops since 1974.

"The Cyprus problem is a problem of invasion and occupation by Turkey. In our struggle for justice for all citizens of Cyprus, Greece remains a stable and unconditional supporter of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus”, Fotiou said.

He further pointed out that due to developments in the region, defense cooperation between the two countries should be re-designed.

“Our cooperation must be developed and revised on the basis of new developments and the daily threats by Turkey against Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone”, he stressed.

Fotiou said that the common goal is to further enhance the already close relations between the two countries, to strengthen the stability and peace in the wider region.

In his statements, the Greek Chief of Staff said that relations with Cyprus are close and added that these ties are non-negotiable.

The Republic of Cyprus, which joined the EU in May 2004, has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and since then occupy 37% of Cyprus` territory, despite numerous resolutions and decisions by the UN, the EU and other international organisations, calling for Turkey`s withdrawal from Cyprus.