In a social media post, Dendias said the two ministers reviewed the security situation in the region and reaffirmed the level of defence cooperation between the two countries.
‘Following our constant communication regarding developments in our wider region, I met today in Nicosia with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Vassilis Palmas,’ Dendias said.
‘We confirmed the excellent level of bilateral defence cooperation, assessed the security situation and emphasised the optimal coordination of our actions. Greece demonstrates in practice that Cyprus is nearby.’
Greek military deployments
During joint statements with his Cypriot counterpart, Dendias reiterated that Greek military assets have already been deployed to Cyprus.
According to the defence minister, two pairs of Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jets are currently stationed on the island, while two Greek navy frigates are sailing towards Cyprus.
Referring to the frigate Kimon, Dendias said that its deployment carried historical symbolism.
‘The historical analogy is certainly not lost. Kimon is returning to Cyprus,’ he said, adding that Greece’s decision reflects what he described as both a national and European obligation.
Reference to historical memory
Dendias also referred to Grigoris Afxentiou, a figure associated with the Cypriot anti-colonial struggle of the 1950s.
‘With this cooperation, with the presence of our aircraft and our frigates, we honour the memory of Grigoris Afxentiou in the best possible way,’ he said.
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