Cyprus Minister of Defence, Michalis Giorgallas praised the long-standing efforts of King of Jordan Adbullah II to combat terrorism via the Aqaba process he created.
Giorgallas attended the Aqaba Process meeting held in Cordoba, Spain, on June 19-20 co-chaired by the Kings of Spain and Jordan.
The meeting, attended by number of heads of states and governments of countries of the Western Africa and the Sahel, representatives of the EU, the African Union, NATO and other organisations reviewed the state in the security situation and actions of terrorist organisations in Western African states and the Sahel and to exchange views on ways to tackle radicalisation and extremism.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, speaking at the meeting, Giorgallas said the Aqaba Process constitutes an effective platform for the exchange of views, intelligence sharing, best practices and to draft joint actions for combat terrorism.
He added that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to support the Aqabe Process and to assist the international and regional efforts aiming at supporting the states of West Africa and the Sahel, where these terrorist networks, linked with ISIS and Al Qaeda, operate.
Moreover, the Cypriot Minister highlighted the need for a holistic approach to combat terrorism while investing on humanitarian aid and assistance, the digital and energy transition of the Sub-Saharan Africa so that it could deal with the increasing waves of illegal migration to Europe including Cyprus.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Giorgallas met with the Jordanian Chief of the Armed Forces with whom he discussed issues of deepening bilateral defence and military cooperation.
He also exchanged views with the EU Special Representative on the Sahel region Emanuela Claudia Del Re on issues of her competency as well as topics of mutual concern.
Source: Cyprus News Agency