Athens: Our goal is for the Republic of Cyprus to be not only a consumer but also a producer of defence products, President Nicos Christodoulides announced on Tuesday during his visit to the International Defence and Security Exhibition – DEFEA 2025, currently being held in Athens. President Christodoulides inaugurated the Cypriot pavilion, expressing his support for the burgeoning Cypriot defence industry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides highlighted the significant participation of Cypriot defence industry companies at the exhibition, noting that over 30 percent of defence industry programs funded by the European Union involve Cypriot companies. He emphasized that Cyprus, despite its small size, has a promising defence sector contributing to EU programs and exporting equipment to various EU member states’ defence ministries.
The President also mentioned the establishment of the Defence Industry Council and the creation of a Register by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support Cypriot companies. He stated that future equipment purchases by the Republic of Cyprus would require the involvement of Cypriot firms.
President Christodoulides underscored the importance of investing in research and innovation within the Ministry of Defence to bolster local companies. He announced plans for greater participation in an upcoming defence exhibition in France, further showcasing Cypriot capabilities.
During his visit, President Christodoulides met with the Minister of National Defence of Greece, Nikos Dendias, to discuss national defence and security matters. He also visited the Cypriot pavilion, organised by the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and commended the exhibitors for their contributions to the national defence industry.
Accompanying the President were Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens Stavros Avgoustidis, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Anna Aristotelous, President of the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises Tasos Kounoudes, and other officials.