Cyprus and Italy to continue cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean

Cyprus Defence Minister Savvas Angelides and his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Buerine, agreed to continue the mutual information, coordination and cooperation, regarding the issue of energy security in the EEZ of Cyprus and more generally in the Εastern Mediterranean.

According to an official announcement issued by the PIO, Angelides and Buerine met on Tuesday in Rome and discussed recent developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region including Turkey’s illegal activities within the Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Cypriot Minister informed his Italian counterpart that Turkey’s activities create instability in the eastern Mediterranean and pose another obstacle to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Guerini briefed Angelides on Italy`s efforts to de-escalate the crisis in Libya and to reach a ceasefire agreement.

They also discussed Cyprus-Italy co-operation in the framework of the Joint Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) programs involving the two countries, focusing on upgrading maritime and air base infrastructures and their use in the framework of the EU Common Security and Defense Policy.

At the end of the meeting, a Bilateral Cooperation Program for the year 2020 was signed, with both Ministers saying that it was a tangible proof of the two countries` willingness to further deepen and strengthen their cooperation in the field of defense and security.