Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides met Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias at the presidential palace on Monday to discuss regional developments and brief him on updates concerning the Cyprus problem. The talks also covered recent statements related to the issue and broader European security matters.
Cyprus issue updates discussed
Christodoulides said the meeting included discussion of a meeting held earlier in the day with United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy Angela Holguin.
He said the two sides would also discuss a statement from the Turkish presidency, as well as a statement from the north.
Dendias congratulates Cyprus on EU Council presidency
Dendias thanked Christodoulides for receiving him and congratulated Cyprus on its handling of the presidency of the EU Council, which ends at the end of the month.
He said Cyprus, despite being a small country, had managed to hold the presidency of the European Union for six months with great success.
Focus on common security and defence
Dendias also referred to Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas’ role as chairman of the informal council of defence ministers held earlier in the day, saying his contribution had led to a substantial discussion on common security.
He said the discussion focused on matters concerning both Greece and Cyprus, including the creation of a single defence space, a European Union approach to defence, the development of defence programmes and the strengthening of defence capabilities to protect the EU as an area of democracy and human rights.
