Nicosia, Cyprus. Greece reaffirmed its commitment to Cyprus’s security during a visit to parliament on Friday, as Greek parliament speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis urged Europe to sustain recent mobilisation rather than act only in crises.
Talks in parliament
Kaklamanis met Cyprus parliament speaker Annita Demetriou and linked the response of EU member states to President Nikos Christodoulides’ call for stronger defence to a broader shift in European thinking. He said it showed recognition that “the security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union”.
He said “Cyprus is not and will never be alone”, adding that any threat to an EU member “constitutes a threat to the entire European Union”. He also referred to tripartite cooperation among Greece, France and Cyprus as evidence of practical support.
Military deployments and UN stance
Calling his visit a “highly symbolic gesture”, Kaklamanis said it reflected “the unwavering support and solidarity” of Greece to Cyprus.
He cited the deployment of the frigates Kimon and Psaras and four F-16 Viper aircraft as a “resounding message of unity and solidarity”.
Kaklamanis also reiterated Greece’s position at the United Nations security council in favour of de-escalation, diplomacy and respect for international law, including “the freedom and safety of international navigation”.
Tourism and regional tensions
Kaklamanis described Cyprus as “a safe country” and encouraged tourism, saying visitors should “not be afraid” and that the island remains “just as peaceful and calm as when I was last here”.
Demetriou said the visit came at a critical moment amid tensions linked to the Middle East conflict, and expressed “deepest gratitude to Greece for its immediate response” in early March. She said wider European support highlights the need for “European autonomy and unwavering solidarity”.
Demetriou described Cyprus as “Europe’s window to the Middle East” and reiterated her wish for a “united, free island without occupying forces”.
What impact do you think sustained European mobilisation could have on Cyprus’s security?