Greece, Cyprus talk defence cooperation

Cooperation on defence and security is main discussion topic between Defence Minister Savvas Angelides and his Greek counterpart, Nicos Panayiotopoulos, in the framework of the 6^th Greece-Cyprus Intergovernmental Defence Council taking place in Athens.

Against a backdrop of Turkish aggression, the Intergovernmental Council convening in the Greek Ministry of National Defence will also see the participation of Deputy Minister of National Defence, Alkiviades Stefanis, and the Greek and Cypriot Chiefs of Staff.

"We had the opportunity to discuss developments on current issues of common interest but also on bilateral relations on the level of ​​regional cooperation and security, military operational programs and exercises," Angelides said after the meeting.

Angelides added that prospects for research and innovation programs on the European level were also discussed.

On his part, Panayiotopoulos said that the Council meeting took place “at a crucial time for the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region."

The Greek FM added that there was agreement that “the coordination and cooperation of the Greek and Cypriot Armed Forces is constantly upgrading, while the handling of important issues in our defense cooperation is accelerating, bypassing any bureaucratic delays" 

The 6^th Intergovernmental Defence Council is the first two meetings that take place annually in view of an enhanced cooperation agenda between Greece and Cyprus.