Greek & Cypriot Defence Ministers Hold Talks Of Mutual Interest

Defence Ministers of Greece and Cyprus Demetris Avramopoulos and Photis Photiou, respectively, exchanged on Monday views on the defence capacities of their countries, the Cyprus problem, developments regarding hydrocarbon reserves in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as the financial crisis.

The two ministers referred to the defence capability of the two countries, issues of mutual interest concerning military cooperation and reviewed strategic and operational issues aiming at improved coordination and updating operational matters regarding the geopolitical and geostrategic dimensions in the South Eastern Mediterranean.

Avramopoulos said it is pivotal for Cyprus to address the financial crisis and the resumption of substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem, expected in October. He reiterated that Greece fully supports Cyprus' right to exercise its sovereign rights in its EEZ. On his part Photiou sent the message that relations between the two countries will be further enhanced, stressing Greece's permanent, firm and selfless support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. (CNA)