Today is a day of emotion and pride, a day of remembrance of our fallen and missing, and an opportunity to draw strength from the glorious action of our heroes who sacrificed their lives for us, said the Minister of Defence, Charalambos Petridis, in greeting after the end of the military parade for the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Petridis congratulated the Commander in Chief of the National Guard, the personnel of the armed and security forces for the perfect conduct of the parade under these difficult, as he said, conditions. “We are particularly pleased to note the high morale and sense of responsibility and professionalism of the armed forces.”

Also read : Independence Day 2020 parade | In front of the deputy head of the Government, the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the National Guard  

Mr. Petridis thanked the Minister of Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, saying that “his presence here sends the message of unity, and solidarity.”

The presence of the Chief of the Italian Armed Forces and the representative of the Minister of the Armed Forces of France also sends a strong message of stability and peace in the region, noted Mr. Petridis. “Our close cooperation will continue to deepen.”

The Minister of Defence also thanked the Ambassadors and the various Defence Attaches for their presence at the parade.

Source: CNA

View the CNA photos from the parade below: