Deepening cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt was at the centre of a meeting on Tuesday between President Nicos Anastasiades and Egypt’s army chief Lieutenant General Osama Askar, who is on a four-day official visit here.

The defence ministry said Askar also held talks with Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides and National Guard chief Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis which focused on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Ukraine, as well as security and stability in the wider region.

The ministry said the visit comes within the framework of the international cooperation developed by the National Guard with friendly countries, with the aim of contributing to the consolidation of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Egypt’s army chief was briefed on the mission, operational capabilities and challenges faced by the National Guard. Broader talks between the two delegations reviewed defence cooperation at the strategic level.

Askar will also attend operational activities of the National Guard and pay a visit to the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre