We aim to defend the sovereign rights of Cyprus, to promote it as a reliable, stable and solvent partner, with a more active role in matters of defense cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and to strengthen the friendship and cooperation of the states of the region, the Minister of Defense said today Vasilis Palmas.
In his greeting at the event held today on the day of the feast of Saint Nicholas, patron of the Navy, which Naval Base "Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis" in Mari, the Minister said that today we pay "the minimum tribute to the personnel of the Navy of the National Guard who he offered his life for the defense of the country".
He added that "in the context of the celebration, the ceremony of joining the modern high-speed vessel "KERYNIA" to the force of the National Guard took place. On behalf of the State, I express my sincere thanks to the company Safe Bulkers Incorporated and to the Managing Director of the company Poly Hatziioannou for the kind sponsorship".
The donation of the speedboat, continued Mr. Palmas "is an indication of the interest" of Mr. Hadziioannou for his special homeland and highlights his practical decision "to strengthen its security, especially at a time when security and effective response to critical situations are extremely important".
"The ability to immediately mobilize and execute missions in adverse conditions enhances the readiness and strategic capability of our forces," he said.
In his greeting, the Minister also referred to the recent crises in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and said that "they have highlighted the upgraded role of the Republic of Cyprus, as a pillar of security and stability, cooperation and understanding in our region".
"In this context, the National Guard, as the main defender of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and as the main defender of freedom, will continue to be modernized and strengthened, so that it can respond immediately and effectively to any challenge," he noted.
He also stated that "the determining factor in this effort is the personnel of the Force. The women and men of the National Guard, who spare no effort and time, with their daily hard work, thorough training and high level of professionalism, are the foundation on which the deterrent capacity of our Armed Forces is built."
As said by Mr. Palmas "for the Ministry of Defense, the manpower is the greatest comparative advantage. Every member of the National Guard, whether permanent or contracted, including civilian personnel, reservists and our National Guard represents a unique addition to the whole edifice."
To strengthen our position, he continued, "as the Ministry of Defense we are making every effort to further expand the now strong framework of bilateral cooperation that we have entered into with friendly countries in the region and other important actors, which has evolved, among other things, to the conclusion tripartite and multilateral forms of cooperation".
In this context, Mr. Palmas noted, "among other things, the efforts to modernize the infrastructure of the National Guard, such as the area in which we are located, are included, which contribute to the operational upgrading of our armed forces and at the same time support the declared and followed Defense Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, for the provision of facilities to friendly countries".
He also stated that "we understand the particularities that characterize the fragile geopolitical setting of our region and we understand the challenges that arise." "We realize our capabilities and declare ourselves present and ready to respond to all the developments around us" he said and noted that "we realize our capabilities as a member state of the European Union and the responsibilities entailed by our participation in it".
We are moving forward decisively, he continued, "ready to secure our interests and contribute to the effort to achieve security, peace, stability and cooperation in the region. We aim to defend the sovereign rights of Cyprus, to highlight our country as a reliable, stable and creditable partner, with a more active role in matters of defense cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean and to strengthen the friendship and cooperation of the states of the region".
Source: KYPE
