Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will utilise €1.18 billion from the EU Safe programme over five years to cover defence needs and enhance its role in the European security system, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Friday.
Funding plan and defence diplomacy
Palmas made the remarks while addressing a frogmen graduation ceremony at Evangelos Florakis naval base. He said a priority was strengthening defence diplomacy by upgrading collaboration with European partners and friendly countries.
National Guard and deterrent capacity
Palmas said the aim was to safeguard Cyprus’ territorial integrity and sovereign rights through upgrading the National Guard and its deterrent capacity.
Upgrading naval and air infrastructure
Citing Cyprus’ role as a pillar of stability and cooperation in the eastern Mediterranean, and obligations stemming from participation in European programmes and humanitarian missions, Palmas said it had been decided to upgrade naval and air infrastructure.
He said the upgrades would strengthen the country’s defence and allow Cyprus to contribute to humanitarian missions and crisis management.
Targeted actions across forces and policy areas
Palmas said the defence ministry was promoting targeted actions to upgrade land, sea, air and special forces, including improvements to service and reserves, as well as measures related to environmental and energy policy, green development and digital transition.
Message to graduating frogmen
Addressing the graduates, Palmas said he was certain they would continue to serve the National Guard with dedication.
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