Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the Greece-Israel military agreement to develop the so-called “Achilles Shield” strengthens security and strategic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He argued that the bilateral project also benefits Cyprus, as Nicosia, Athens and Jerusalem face common security risks linked to Turkey.
Agreement follows high-level talks
Speaking on Thursday on the sidelines of a ceremony for students due to attend military academies in Greece, held at a military camp in Nicosia, Palmas described the agreement as bilateral cooperation between two allied countries.
He said the deal followed consultations between Greece and Israel at a high political level.
Three countries face common risks
Addressing the agreement’s significance for Cyprus, Palmas said the three countries face shared threats.
“To be clear and unequivocal, what we mean is that all three countries face a threat from Turkey,” he said.
Palmas noted that Cyprus has endured 52 years of occupation, while Greece faces daily violations of its airspace and maritime areas, as well as breaches of international law.
He added that similar issues exist in relations between Israel and Turkey.
Regional security and sovereignty
“Therefore, three countries that enjoy excellent political relations and military cooperation at various levels can coordinate and jointly identify ways and synergies to address these threats,” Palmas said.
According to the defence minister, these partnerships aim to strengthen security across the wider region and safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of each of the three countries.
Source: CNA
