The developments in the Middle East, including the Republic of Cyprus’s initiative for a maritime humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, the Cyprus issue and the bilateral defence partnership were the main topics of discussion between the Cypriot Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary during their meeting in London on Tuesday.
Minister Michalis Giorgallas was welcomed by Secretary of State Grant Shapps at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Whitehall with a guard of honour lining the steps of the building entrance.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting Giorgallas said this was ‘a special and emblematic meeting’, as it was the first time such a ceremony has been performed for a visiting Cyprus Defence Minister in London.
On the subject of the conflict between Israel and Hamas the two ministers exchanged views and then they discussed the Cypriot proposal and readiness to transfer humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip by sea.
Giorgallas said that the proposal was met by his counterpart ‘with und
erstanding and a willingness to consider their own contribution and participation in this effort by the Republic of Cyprus.’ He and Shapps agreed to continue the discussion on the issue.
In terms of the Cyprus issue, the two men made special reference to the recent attacks against the British contingent of the UN peacekeeping personnel in the village of Pyla, after their intervention to stop an illegal road construction by the Turkish Cypriot side.
Minister Giorgallas said he conveyed the Cypriot government’s demand for the British government to play its role in implementing what has been agreed with regards to that area, receiving an assurance by the UK Defence Secretary that London will contribute in that direction.
The third issue dominating the agenda of the meeting was strengthening the bilateral relationship regarding defence.
‘We explored and reviewed the current cooperation opportunities and we have essentially established a new basis for our countries’ cooperation – a basis of transparency, commu
nication and common understanding on certain issues, especially in such a period when Great Britain uses its bases as a staging point for its own actions towards the Middle East and that region of conflict.’
The Defence Minister added that there was also agreement for the widest possible collaboration if a citizens’ evacuation from Lebanon is needed in the future.
Minister Giorgallas also met with the chief of the UK Defence Staff Admiral Radakin, mainly discussing the Middle East developments.
He also attended a working lunch with the Defence Minister Earl of Minto and UK defence officials focusing on climate change. Giorgallas said that they discussed how the Cypriot Army could adopt experiences, technologies and the British know-how in reducing its climate impact.
Source: Cyprus News Agency