MoD Participation in the Informal Meeting of the EU Defence Ministers in Berlin

Defence Redefined

27/08/2020

The informal meeting of the EU Defence Ministers that took place in Berlin was completed on Wednesday August 26, 2020.

During the meeting, the Ministers had the opportunity to exchange views on the European Union’s Operational and Defence Priorities, the operational commitment of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) with EU partners and the Strategic Compass process for security and defence.

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The Minister of Defence expressed the full support of the Republic of Cyprus to the evolving process of the Strategic Compass and stressed the need to include in it the Mutual Assistance Clause of the EU Treaty. He also stated that the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean requires the immediate response of the EU and its characterization as an area of maritime interest for a coordinated and continuous naval presence of the EU and the Member States in the area.

Mr. Petridis, in his speech, said that cooperation with the Union’s partners should not be done to the detriment of the interests of the EU and its Member States, scolding Turkey’s aggressive actions, while at the same time indicating Cyprus’ readiness to contribute to development of EU cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region with which the Republic of Cyprus has excellent relations and an extensive cooperation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister of Defence met with his German counterpart Mrs. Annegret Kramp – Karrenbauer, where it was agreed to upgrade bilateral relations in the field of Defence and Security, while also discussing the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the illegal actions of Turkey in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Petridis also met with the Italian Minister of Defence Mr. Lorenzo Guerini, where they discussed the progress of the quadripartite initiative of Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy to strengthen the joint naval and air presence in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to enhance security and stability in the wider Mediterranean area and ensure free navigation.

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It is noted that the inaugural activity called “EUNOMIA”, in which Air and Navy means of the 4 countries participate, marks the beginning of the Initiative and is conducted in the sea area of Southern Cyprus, from 26 to 28 August 2020, including a wide range of naval and aviation exercises as well as Search and Rescue items.

Source (in Greek): Ministry of Defence