Minister of Defence, Charalambos Petride,s said that the Republic of Cyprus has significantly upgraded its defence capabilities during the last few years, speaking on Friday after a session of the Parliamentary Defence Committee.
Petrides pointed out that the Republic’s defence capabilities were upgraded both in terms of material equipment and human resources, but also in terms of alliances, adding that Cyprus constantly participates in international, bilateral and multilateral exercises and partnerships that have brought experience and interoperability with its allies. The Ministry, as he said, is firmly committed to consolidating the goals and relations with Greece, but also with other regional alliances.
He also said that the Cabinet has approved a series of measures regarding the possibility of extending the term of office of contract soldiers. He furthermore said that during the last two and a half years the Ministry has modernised legislation, has set goals regarding the armaments program, international and defence relations, has launched online platforms for the benefit of the citizens, has upgraded energy efficiency and has progressed green transition.
He added that there was progress in several areas and they are now moving from concluding agreements to the phase of their implementation, from theory to practice, as he said. Petrides also stressed the importance of rational implementation of all the programs and contracts of the Ministry.
Source: Cyprus News Agency