Greece and Cyprus sign updated Joint Memorandum on Crisis Management
Greece' National Defence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos and Cypriot Defence Minister Christoforos Fokaides on Wednesday signed an updated and revised Joint Memorandum on Crisis Management between Greece and Cyprus.
Avramopoulos is currently in Cyprus to represent the Greek government at the military parade for the anniversary of Cyprus' declaration of independence.
The Greek minister made it clear that the agreement "is not aimed at purposes of aggression but of security." In addition to its defensive and operational significance and the coordination of procedures and agencies for managing crises in Greece and Cyprus, "it has a special character and possesses a symbolism due to the anniversary of the independence of the Cyprus Republic," he added. The signature and the simultaneous entry into force of the agreement, he stressed, "broadcasts the powerful bonds of solidarity and the fraternal relations between Greece and Cyprus."
Referring to his meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, Avramopoulos said that this had been extremely 'substantive', covering both the Cyprus issue and the new state of affairs in the region, which enhanced Cyprus' geostrategic role.
Fokaides noted that the memorandum protected defence cooperation and called for an exchange of knowhow, information and joint action for tackling crises.
"Greece and Cyprus are pillars of stability, security and democracy in our region," he underlined.
