The coastal patrol vessel "Famagusta", which as of today is part of the Navy of the Republic of Cyprus, will significantly enhance the country's capabilities in fulfilling its obligations in its maritime space, said today the Minister of Defense Christoforos Fokaidis.
The Minister was speaking after the official celebration of Agios Nikolaos, patron saint of the navy, which took place at the naval base "Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis" in Marie.
In his statements, Mr. Fokaidis said that "today is a great holiday as we celebrate the patron saint of the Navy, in the place where there was a place of self-denial and sacrifice of the men of the Navy. We express our gratitude on behalf of the State to everything that the men and women of the Navy offer ". Today, continued Mr. Fokaidis, "we had the pleasure, in a modest ceremony, to include in our Navy the coastal patrol" Famagusta "after its concession by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agriculture. "This patrol vessel significantly enhances the capabilities of the Republic for the fulfillment of its obligations in the maritime area, especially in terms of search and rescue operations, where the upgraded geostrategic role of Cyprus requires the continuous reinforcement with the necessary means". He added that "it is for this reason that through this year's budgets, we set the conditions so that the country's armed forces are strengthened with all the necessary means, so that they can better fulfill their role and mission." .
During the celebration, salute shots were fired, while the visitors watched a static exhibition of weapons systems and means of the Navy of the National Guard.