Armenia`s defense minister on higher-quality defense cooperation  between Armenia and Cyprus 

ArmInfo.The visit of the head of the Cypriot Defense Ministry to Yerevan is the best evidence  of the high level of military-political relations between Yerevan and Nicosia. This was stated by the head of the Armenian Defense Ministry Suren Papikyan at a briefing with the Minister of Defense of Cyprus Vasilis Palmas on September 25.

"We held meaningful talks with my Cypriot counterpart on both the  development of military-technical cooperation and security. We  mutually noted that military cooperation between Armenia and Cyprus  is at a high level and has been developing dynamically in recent  years, however, we still have serious untapped potential, which we  will bring to life in the foreseeable future," Papikyan noted.

At the same time, the minister emphasized that the Armenian-Cypriot  cooperation is aimed at developing the defense capabilities of the  two countries, strengthening the security and sovereignty of Armenia  and Cyprus, as well as promoting regional and international  stability.

At the same time, he noted the importance of the established  cooperation within the framework of the trilateral  Armenia-Cyprus-Greece format.

"I highly appreciate Cyprus' assistance in developing Armenia's  relations with the EU structures and its member states.  Armenian-Cypriot relations can contribute to integration processes  within the Organization," added the head of the Armenian Defense  Ministry. He also said that he had open and sincere discussions on  security issues with his colleague from Cyprus. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that we are  closely following the processes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Armenia  is in favor of resolving the Cyprus issue through peaceful  negotiations and on the basis of well-known UN principles. We cannot  help but touch upon the situation in Cyprus's neighborhood - in the  Middle East. We shared our assessments and concerns," Papikyan noted,  adding that other issues of mutual interest were also touched upon.  In this vein, he assured that such contacts will be permanent and  will be aimed at ensuring the well-being and security of the peoples  of the two countries. In conclusion, the Armenian Minister assured  that everything would be done to give a new quality to bilateral  military and military-technical cooperation and joint resistance to  new challenges. It should be noted that the head of the Cyprus  Defense Ministry arrived in Yerevan on an official visit on the night  of September 25. A solemn welcoming ceremony for Vasilis Palmas was  held at the administrative complex of the Armenian Defense Ministry  with the participation of an honor guard and a military orchestra.  The national anthems of Armenia and Cyprus were played.