Upgrading Cyprus' defence urgent, Defence Minister says

Minister of Defence Charalambos Petrides said Thursday that the strengthening and upgrading the Republic of Cyprus’ defence constitutes an urgent need, given the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved, and Turkey’s aggressive behaviour in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone is ongoing.

Speaking on Thursday at the swearing-in ceremony of the new students at the military schools in Greece, which took place at the Elias Papakyriakou camp in Nicosia, the Minister noted that the National Guard not only has the role of deterrence and ensuring the security of the country, but it is also now considered imperative that it addresses modern security challenges, asymmetric threats and has measures to tackle hybrid warfare.

Referring to the students, he assured them that both the leadership of the National Guard and himself personally, will always be by their side to give them the necessary support.

We firmly believe, he said, "that our human resources are the most valuable component of the National Guard and therefore must be supported by the state".