The meeting between Nikos Dendias and his Cypriot counterpart, Vassilis Palmas, at the Greek Ministry of Defence was held in a warm atmosphere.

In this first meeting, following the Cypriot Minister of National Defence’s duties assumption, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment and cooperation so that they continue to be pillars of stability in the wider region, in the midst of conflicts and turmoil.

The Minister of Defence of Greece emphasized that Greece will permanently stand by the side of the Republic of Cyprus whenever the need arises.

The two Ministers paid particular attention to the increasingly close cooperation that is developing with the United States, something that is also currently manifest in terms of armaments.

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Greece is considering the joint design and co-production of new generation “Constellation” class US frigates in Greek shipyards (up to 7, according to the latest information), in the context of strengthening the Fleet and for the benefit of the Greek shipbuilding industry, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, announced today after his meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Vasilis Palmas.

As he said, on January 16, the Hellenic Navy General Staff received a special letter from the competent US agency regarding the acceptance of the Greek interest. Further, by way of an agreement, also in line with the needs of the Hellenic Navy, Greece can participate in the planning from the very beginning. With regard to the LCS frigates – which will be given as part of the free concession of a number of assets from the US – he said that they are considering them as an interim solution.

He also announced that he discussed with his Cypriot counterpart the expansion of the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari, so that it can accommodate modern frigates such as the Belharra.

Referring to the supply of F-35 aircraft, Mr. Dendias announced that the letter of acceptance (LOA) regarding their sale to Greece has been sent by the competent US agency.

Finally, in the coming days, the legislation to strengthen innovation in the Hellenic Armed Forces, the introduction of new-technology advanced systems, of autonomous unmanned air, sea and underwater assets will be in public debate. Mr. Dendias has invited Cyprus to participate in military innovation.

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