“Absolutely at your disposal” was the message delivered by Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias during his meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, as the region faces escalating turmoil and repeated drone strikes targeting British bases in Akrotiri.
Dendias emphasized that he had come to convey the backing of the Greek Prime Minister, the government, and the entire Greek society to the people of Cyprus. He noted that these are challenging times for the wider region but stressed Greece’s unequivocal commitment to providing all possible assistance to Cyprus.
The minister highlighted that this commitment carries both symbolic and practical weight, asserting that Greece will stand alongside the Cypriot people and all lawful residents of the Republic of Cyprus.
“I will discuss with the minister the practical aspects of this support and explore what more could be done. Overall, we are absolutely at your disposal. I warmly thank you for the cordial reception,” Dendias remarked.
President Christodoulides expressed his gratitude to the Greek Prime Minister, underlining the swift response of the Greek government to Cyprus’s request during a critical juncture for the country.
“On behalf of the Cypriot people, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and you personally for the immediate response to our request at a difficult moment for the Republic of Cyprus,” he said. He emphasized that Greece’s actions demonstrate both substantive and symbolic significance, paving the way for European solidarity.
He further noted that Greece’s prompt support has set an example for other European nations. “I spoke with the French President, there was a response, and I am in contact with the German Chancellor and the Italian Prime Minister,” he said, highlighting the precedent Greece is setting for European Union responses.
President Christodoulides also stressed that both Cyprus and Greece are proving in practice that they are part of the solution, not the problem. He expressed hope that stable conditions will soon prevail in the region, which, despite its challenges, offers significant opportunities for cooperation.
Concluding, he affirmed that “Greece and Cyprus have demonstrated in practice that this is what they aim for,” underscoring the importance of their collaboration for stability and progress in the Eastern Mediterranean.
