Kikilias: We are strengthening operational cooperation between Greece and Cyprus
Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias met on Monday with the Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris.
During the meeting, they emphasised the immediate and practical strengthening of operational cooperation between the Hellenic Coast Guard and the competent Cypriot authorities, across the entire spectrum of sectors related to maritime security, combatting illegal migration flows, joint training, as well as search and rescue.
In the same context, the two ministers exchanged views on security in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that this requires constant vigilance and continuous strengthening of operational capabilities.
Kikilias informed his Cypriot counterpart about the creation of a state-of-the-art Operations Centre for the Hellenic Coast Guard and, more generally, about the implementation of the "Aegis II" equipment programme, which includes the procurement of new technology, offshore vessels and pursuit vessels with cutting-edge surveillance capabilities. As he underlined, the goal of all these operational upgrade initiatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard is a more effective policing of the seas and maritime borders, marine parks, the Exclusive Economic Zone, mining, fisheries and the country's marine wealth.
Finally, special reference was made to the recent assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus and the importance of this institutional role for strengthening European cooperation on maritime security issues.
