Huge strides have been taken to improve defence says minister

Huge strides have been made towards the strengthening the island’s defensive capability, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said on Friday addressing military academy graduates during their confirmation ceremony at the Kornos camp.

As a government “we are working towards developing capacities that will enable Cyprus to operate in a secure and stable environment,” he added.

Petrides said this this year the government has managed to allocate the highest amount of resources towards defensive equipment in the last 20 years.

Addressing the new officers, Petrides said their professional career begins as of today and they must be fully aware of the responsibilities they shoulder.

“The sword you receive today is the prerogative of officers. You have earned it thanks your hard work and it attests to your ability in responding fully, competently and effectively to your duties as the new leaders of the National Guard,” he said.

“Work with honesty, dignity, responsibility, and professionalism… Impart to your colleagues and soldiers the noble ideals of patriotism, devotion to duty, the values and knowledge acquired via your attendance at military academies,” the minister added.

He further assured the new officers that “the political and military leadership of the country will always stand by your side supporting their work and efforts.”