The “tragic” impact of the war both on Ukraine and at the international and regional levels, as well as its consequences for global energy and food security, noted Cyprus’ Defence Minister, Charalambos Petrides, on Tuesday in the context of the informal meeting of EU Ministers of Defence, held in Prague.
According to a Defence Ministry press release, the global impact and consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine were discussed in the framework of the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers, in which Petrides also participated.
Petrides, it said, “noted the tragic effects of the war both for Ukraine and at the international and regional levels,” as well as the consequences for global energy and food security.
“He also stressed the importance of implementing individual aspects of the Strategic Compass, as soon as possible, to strengthen the EU’s resilience and security,” it added.
Steps to fill defence gaps through joint procurement of defence equipment were also discussed, according to the statement.
The Minister also supported the suggestion for incentives for armament programmes including European funding for the member states, it adds.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Petrides met with the Minister of Defence of Romania with whom he signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement which, as per the announcement, will help upgrade the cooperation between the two countries.
He also visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Prague where he laid a wreath and paid his respects to the graves of 17 Cypriot World War II soldiers, the press release concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency