Athens: Acting Permanent Secretary of Defence Ministry Anna Aristotelous held a private meeting with Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece, Athanasios Davakis, during the DEFEA defense industry exhibition on Tuesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the two officials discussed bilateral interests in the defense sector, focusing on Greece’s assistance with know-how for upgrading the Mari Naval Base and the exchange of expertise on defense equipment procurement. They also explored prospects for cooperation in research and development through trilateral schemes involving Greece, Cyprus, and third countries.
The Ministry of Defence participated in the DEFEA Exhibition with its own pavilion, showcasing the involvement of more than 400 companies and organizations in the defense sector, including 13 Cypriot companies. During the meeting, Aristotelous expressed Cyprus’ gratitude for Greece’s long-term support, highlighting the strong ties that unite the two nations. The Deputy Minister assured Greece’s full support and intention to contribute to common challenges.
Cypriot companies at the exhibition presented their technological capabilities, with Aristotelous assuring efforts to enhance their participation in European programs and address any challenges they face. The Ministry’s participation in DEFEA was supported by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), which received funding of £100,000 by Cabinet decision.
A press release from the CCCI stated that Cyprus is present with the largest national pavilion organized to date, under the Ministry of Defence’s auspices, in collaboration with the Chamber and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises. DEFEA serves as a significant platform for promoting the Cypriot defense industry, with companies showcasing modern systems and technologies such as anti-drone systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, composite materials, applications for protecting critical infrastructure, coordination/communications centers, and border management systems.
President Nikos Christodoulides inaugurated the Cypriot pavilion on Tuesday, with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas scheduled to visit the pavilion on Wednesday.