Cyprus Defense Minister: Turkey pursues revisionist foreign policy

ArmInfo.Armenia and Cyprus both clearly understand the challenges and storms that small  states determined to protect their own territory and sovereignty must confront. This statement was made by Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas at a briefing with the head of the Armenian Defense Ministry  Suren Papikyan, on September 25.  

He greeted the constructive talks in Yerevan and noted that this visit testifies to the strong  friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Palmas also  highlighted the fruitful cooperation that has developed, particularly  in the areas of defense and security.

"Our cooperation includes mutual military visits, joint exercises,  training, and defense procurement. Thanks to this collaboration, our  interaction in the defense sector has been further strengthened. Our  relations can be described as excellent," the Minister said.  At the  same time, he highlighted the potential for further cooperation, such  as joint military exercises, cooperation in military technology, and  military education.  The Cypriot minister also mentioned the latest  developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the South Caucasus,  current challenges, and the potential for developing cooperation  between Armenia and the European Union.

"The Eastern Mediterranean is a region rife with geopolitical  challenges. Unilateral actions that violate international law and  sovereign rights only serve to exacerbate and destabilize the  situation in the region.  Cyprus firmly supports the peaceful  resolution of all disputes based on the principles of international  law and good neighborliness," Palmas continued. He also addressed the  situation around the Gaza Strip and stated that Nicosia is ready to  assist in the formation of a humanitarian sea corridor to Gaza to  help civilians.  The Cypriot Defense Minister also thanked Armenia  for its support and ongoing assistance in the Cyprus issue on all  regional and international platforms.  The head of the Cypriot  Defense Ministry also accused Turkey of attempting to use illegal  migration as a tool of pressure. "In recent years, Turkey has been  pursuing a revisionist foreign policy and promoting hostile rhetoric,  threatening the security of Cyprus and the entire Eastern  Mediterranean region," the head of the Cypriot Defense Ministry  added.

At the same time, Palmas noted that Cyprus supports the territorial  integrity and sovereignty of Armenia, as well as the inviolability of  its borders.  "It is important for us to disclose the formula for  establishing long-term and viable peace in the region. We will  continue to assist Armenia in strengthening relations with the  European Union. We are confident that Armenia's commitment to  democratic reforms aligns with the principles and values of the EU,"  the minister said, expressing confidence that all the prerequisites  exist for Armenia to become a worthy member of the European family.