The upgrade and expansion of the cooperation between the armed forces of Cyprus and France was discussed by the Commander of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Democritus Zervakis, in Paris, during his recent official visit, at the invitation of the counterpart of the Chief of General Staff, French Defense , on the occasion of the international exhibition "EUROSATORY 2022".
According to the announcement of GEEF, the Commander of the National Guard was in France between 13 - 15 June, accompanied by a delegation of officers of the General Staff of the National Guard. During the visit, it is noted that the ever-developing multilateral relations between the Armed Forces (Armed Forces) of the two countries were reaffirmed, "which are based on positions of values and principles stemming from their participation in the European family, but also beyond international law." .
In the private meeting of the Head of E.F. with General Burkhard, it was reported that developments in the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed and common concerns related to security and stability issues in the wider region were noted, while developments in Eastern Europe, regional developments in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region were also discussed. and the corresponding international developments in relation to the crisis in Ukraine.
At the same time, the implementation of the Bilateral Military Cooperation Program 2022-23 was discussed, which was signed on June 9, 2022 and which is part of the wider network of international collaborations developed by the Armed Forces with the allies and friends of allied countries.
The two sides proceeded to explore the possibility of further strengthening the dynamic military cooperation between Cyprus and France in other areas of common interest.
As noted, views were exchanged regarding the development of multilateral cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where it was confirmed "the dynamics and the prospect of further development of the Quartet Initiative (QUAD Initiative), between Cyprus, France, Greece and Italy." In the context of the contacts, it is noted that the intention to further upgrade and expand the cooperation between the EDs of the two countries and in other areas of common interest, at bilateral and multilateral level, was recorded.
In addition, there was a joint effort to seize every possible opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Cypriot and French Armed Forces, both in the framework of the actions of the EU Common Defense and Security Policy, and at bilateral level and in particular to further exploit the regular presence of French Air Force. Forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, for conducting mutually beneficial exercises and joint trainings with the National Guard.
According to the announcement, during his presence in the French capital, the Commander of the National Guard laid a wreath on Monday 13/6 at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in the Arc de Triomphe, paying tribute to the dead of the French Nation. In the evening of the same day, he attended the official Reception given by the Minister of Defense of France, Sebastien Lecornu, in honor of the official guests at "EUROSATORY 2022".
The Commander of the National Guard also visited the General Staff of the French National Defense, where he was briefed on the vision, challenges, and operations of the French Armed Forces. He also visited the Institute for Advanced Defense Studies (IHEDN), where he was briefed by Lt. Gen. Benoit Durieux on the Institute's activities, and discussed and explored prospects for cooperation with the National Guard in its training programs and European context.
Lieutenant General Zervakis also paid a visit to the exhibition space of "EUROSATORY 2022", where he was informed about the latest developments, as well as future trends in the field of development of weapons systems and capabilities, both from the European defense industry and beyond. In particular, regarding the Cypriot and Greek companies that participated in the exhibition, Mr. Zervakis visited their stands and was informed about the innovative technologies and applications they offer in the field of defense.
It is noted that during the visit to Paris, the Cypriot delegation visited the Greek Orthodox Diocese of France, where it met with Metropolitan Demetrios and the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Paris, where the Chief of Staff had a meeting with Ambassador George. During the meeting, there was a discussion and exchange of views on issues related mainly to the relations between Cyprus and France as well as on the development of the bilateral military cooperation program.
KYPE
