 | Official visit of the Austrian Federal Minister of Defence to Cyprus – Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation
19/04/2017
The Federal Minister of Defence and Sports of Austria Mr. Hans Peter Doskozil paid a visit to Cyprus on 19 April 2017. Mr. Hans Peter Doszozil was officially received by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Christoforos Fokaides. In the course of the meeting, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation.
After the meeting, the Cypriot Minister of Defence Mr. Christoforos Fokaides stated that “Cyprus and Austria are committed to serve peace, liberty, stability, cooperation and solidarity among people, as well as the international law”. He also referred to the contribution of Austria to the UNFICYP: “by serving these principles, Austria stands for decades by Cyprus’ side contributing with military staff to the function of the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations. At this point, I have to bestow honour to the three Austrian soldiers, who fulfilled their duty with sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice and lost their lives during their service at the time of the Turkish invasion in 1974”.
Christoforos Fokaides expressed also his gratitude for Austria’s “long-standing stance at the Cyprus issue”. Mr. Fokaides informed his Austrian counterpart about the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, the efforts for creating the conditions to allow “a sustainable and functional solution, based on the principles of the European Union. A solution without custody. It is unfortunately a common realisation that because of the latest developments in Turkey, the latter moves further away from Europe. It moves away from the rules which compel the compliance with international law„.
“This region requires the greatest possible cooperation among states, the avoidance of tensions as well as an environment of security and stability which will enable gradual recovery in the direction of economic and social progress. Only in this way, we can tackle the root causes of the problems which lead to terrorist violence as well as to the continuous outbreak of migration flows to Europe”. According to the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, education and gradual development of a common culture form an important pillar for cooperation in the field of defence. Mr. Fokaides announced the common publication of the third annual Handbook on Common Security and Defence Policy as well as the cooperation between the Cypriot Army and the Austrian Military Academy, especially through the European exchange programme of new officers, known as Military Erasmus. According to Mr. Christoforos Fokaides, „today’s signature of the Memorandum of Understanding for Military Cooperation is the capstone of our continuously improving relations“.
The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Austria Mr. Hans Peter Doskozil stated, among others, that the exchange of information and the cooperation with other European partners is necessary for Austria, especially considering the current situation regarding security policy matters (such as terrorism and migration). “Cyprus is an important partner in security and defence policy” he said.
According to Mr. Doskozil, the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding is very important for Austria as it deepens the bilateral relations of the Ministries of Defence of both countries”. “Since 2007, we have successful diplomatic-strategic relations with Cyprus, which we would like to continue and expand. The exchange of information in matters of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy and in the crucial topic of migration and terrorism is very important of us“ he said.
“Austria is today represented with approximately 1.100 soldiers in missions abroad and it has also a long tradition in Cyprus. Since 1964, it also takes part in UNFICYP with more than 1.600 soldiers” concluded the Austrian Minister of Defense.
The Austrian Minister of Defense was also received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nicos Anastasiades.
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