A memorandum of defence and military cooperation was signed today by the Ministers of Defence of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The memorandum, among other things, provides for joint exercises, training programs and consultations, promoting the operational cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Republic of Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.

This is the first memorandum of cooperation in the field of Defence and Security that has been signed between Cyprus and the UAE, reflecting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. 

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It is noted that a bilateral defence cooperation program will be drawn up, which will include joint actions, exercises and training between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

The signing of the memorandum took place via teleconference and the two Ministers agreed on a private meeting when the COVID-19 measures allow it.

In his greeting, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Charalambos Petridis, stated that the desire and ambition of the Republic of Cyprus is the establishment of a mutually beneficial cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

Mr. Petridis also said that the recent large-scale joint exercise MEDUSA, which took place with the participation of forces from Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, France and the UAE, is a tangible proof of the future prospects of cooperation that enters into force with the signing of the memorandum.

The Minister described the memorandum as the starting point for the development of a long-term, lasting, strong and strategic relationship between the respective Ministries and Armed Forces.

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