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Today is truly an important day
both for the defence of Cyprus and for the development of our defence
cooperation with France.
The acquisition of H-145M
attack helicopters deepens our defence partnership with France and opens a
new chapter in our well established and long-standing relationship in the
fields of defence and security.
Let me express my deepest
satisfaction for this watershed development that marks a new era for our Air
Force.
Despite the challenging
international economic conditions, and based on the direction and personal
support of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, we
are steadfastly implementing our defence and armaments program, step by step.
Our unwavering goal is to
upgrade and modernize the quality and capabilities of the National Guard,
with advanced resources and up to date equipment, in order to be a reliable
and robust defensive and deterrent force.
The defence and national
security of our homeland is non-negotiable. The ongoing Turkish military
threat from the occupied part of Cyprus, combined with the increasing
revisionist policies of Turkey do not allow for any complacency.
We must maintain robust defence
capabilities for the defence and security of our country and citizens.
With the acquisition of the new
Airbus attack helicopters, we will also be able to strengthen the existing
framework of our numerous international and regional partnerships, by
increasing interoperability with regional states and participating in
exercises and multinational initiatives, thus positively contributing to the
security and stability in the region.
I would like to note that this
year alone we have the highest index over the last 20 years, as concerns defence
spending on national armament programs.
We are also investing more in
defence related research, innovation and technology and I am hopeful that
this area could be further harnessed between Cyprus and France.
The defence sector, and
especially the armaments sector, could not be a point of contention. I would
therefore like to take this opportunity to thank the Parliamentary Defence
Committee for supporting this effort to modernize our defence capabilities
with new armament systems.
I would also like to thank
Airbus and our own team, the Permanent Secretary, the Chief of the National
Guard and the Armaments Directorate for completing this process.
We will therefore commence this
joint task immediately, in order to implement this armament program on the basis
of the timeline that has been set.
Cyprus and France have forged a
strong defence partnership that extends to bilateral, European and regional
cooperation. I want to convey my appreciation for France's strong interest
for the security of the Eastern Mediterranean region especially through the
regular naval presence of the French Navy.
Our countries maintain common
views as concerns European defence and security, the development of the
European defence industry and the security of the Eastern Mediterranean.
We will work together to
further strengthen, expand and deepen our defence cooperation with France and
other EU member states, both on a bilateral and European level, following the
adoption of the Strategic Compass and the goal to strengthen European autonomy.
Investing in defence means that
we invest in our security, well-being and prosperity.
Finally, thank you all for
attending this important event and allow me to wish to you all every success
in your future endeavors.
(MG/SCH)
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