Greece will continuously evaluate the necessity of its presence in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean, Nikos Dendias said following a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Vassilis Palmas, in Athens.
The discussion focused on bilateral and defense relations, including the deployment of Greek forces to Cyprus by sea and air. Minister Dendias highlighted regional security concerns, citing developments in the Middle East, Lebanon, and Iran, as well as economic pressures from rising energy costs.
Defense cooperation and technology
Cyprus has shown strong interest in acquiring Greece’s Kentavros defense system. As part of the ongoing discussions, Minister Palmas is scheduled to meet with the Greek Aerospace Industry (EAB) for a demonstration of the system.
Minister Palmas also praised Greece for its immediate response in sending frigates and fighter aircraft to establish a protective umbrella over Cyprus amid the prolonged regional crisis.
Regional stability and humanitarian role
Both ministers emphasized the enhanced role Greece and Cyprus could play in promoting stability and humanitarian initiatives in the region. Palmas stressed that coordinated efforts could support peacekeeping operations and political dialogue aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts and mitigating the broader consequences affecting the Eastern Mediterranean.