Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias received Cypriot Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas in Athens on Thursday, September 10, 2026, for official bilateral talks focused on strengthening defence cooperation and regional security.
During the visit, Dendias briefed his Cypriot counterpart on the progress of implementing Agenda 2030, the Greek defence plan focused on developing innovative military products and utilizing advanced defense technologies.
Before concluding their initial discussions, Dendias expressed deep sadness over the deaths of two Hellenic Air Force officers, Squadron Leader Ioannis Blesias and Flight Lieutenant Dimitrios Petrou, offering his support to their families.
Dendias thanked Palmas for his condolences regarding the loss, stating that during moments like this Greece and Cyprus stand alongside each other not only as partners, but as brothers.
Regional security and Cyprus issue
According to an official announcement from the Ministry of National Defence, the two ministers discussed further steps to enhance bilateral defence ties and examined the latest developments surrounding the Cyprus problem. Dendias expressed full support for the resolution efforts led by President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides.
The discussions also covered security challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, the broader Middle East region, and Ukraine.
Dendias emphasized that Cyprus and Greece historically represent an axis of stability, seriousness, and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, pointing out that their bilateral dialogue takes place within that precise context.
International law and multilateral cooperation
The Greek defence minister explained that both countries seek to expand regional partnerships aimed at stability and security under a clear framework based on international law, the International Law of the Sea, the United Nations, human rights, peace, and seriousness.
The delegation evaluated multilateral cooperation formats involving both nations and reviewed ongoing joint efforts within the European Union. Special focus was given to cooperation under the European Union SAFE program and initiatives to develop the EU defence industry.
Meeting attendees
The official meeting in Athens was attended by high-ranking military and defence officials from both Greece and Cyprus.
Greek representatives included Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defence Antonios Oikonomou, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos, Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, and Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff Lieutenant General Demosthenes Grigoriadis.
Cyprus was represented at the military leadership level by Chief of the National Guard General Staff Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou.
Greece and Cyprus maintain close defence ties through bilateral agreements and joint military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean, while both nations are member states of the European Union.
