Armenia and Cyprus  to Deepen Cooperation in Defense and Security

YEREVAN — There is a great untapped potential in the defense sphere between Armenia and Cyprus, which the countries will jointly realize in the near future, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said on Wednesday.

“The visit of the Minister of Defense of Cyprus to Yerevan is the best proof of the high level of military-political relations between two countries,” Papikyan said at a briefing with Vasilis Palmas.

According to him, the sincere friendship and cultural community of the Armenian and Cypriot peoples, conditioned by religious, cultural and friendly ties, have a centuries-old history.

“Therefore, Cyprus and Armenia are not only good friends, but also natural allies. This visit is one of the important steps to transform friendly ties into strong interstate relations,” the minister noted.

Papikyan reported that he held substantive talks with Palmas on issues of developing defense cooperation and security.

“We have mutually confirmed that although Armenia-Cyprus cooperation in the defense sector is at a fairly high level and has been developing dynamically in recent years, we still have great untapped potential, which we will realize in the near future. Armenian-Cypriot cooperation is aimed at developing defense capabilities of both countries, strengthening the security and sovereignty of our states, as well as promoting regional and international stability,” the minister emphasized.

Papikyan also highly appreciated the trilateral format of cooperation between Armenia, Cyprus and Greece, based on the implementation of common goals of countries sharing the same values, as well as the readiness to confront existing challenges.

In turn, Palmas stated that the Armenian-Cypriot partnership includes mutual visits of military personnel, joint military exercises, as well as defense purchases.

“Thanks to this format, the cooperation between our Armed Forces has become even stronger. At the same time, mutual respect and understanding have developed. I highly value our relations,” Palmas said, addressing his colleague.

Palmas  said that Cyprus supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders of the Republic of Armenia.

“Finding a format of stability and sustainable peace is extremely important for us all,” Palmas stated in Yerevan.