May192026

The National Federation of Cypriots in the UK hosted a working dinner in honour of the Defence Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Vasilis Palmas on Monday 18th May at the Federation’s offices. Minister Palmas was joined by members of the Federation’s Secretariat and the High Commissioner of Cyprus in the UK, Dr Kyriacos Kouros for the working dinner.

In his opening remarks, Minister Palmas said this was his first time being hosted by the UK Cypriot community and that he was deeply moved to be joined by its representatives. He added that the Cypriot Government is grateful for the Federation’s continued impactful contribution on matters of importance to the island, including the Cyprus issue.

Minister Palmas stated that a goal of the Republic of Cyprus is to maintain a high level of defence and security. He added that, given the current geopolitical situation and Cyprus’ location, the island must upgrade its security infrastructure and that is what the Ministry of Defence is currently working toward.

The Minister said that Cyprus already plays an important geopolitical role in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus, he continued, remains a reliable and stable state and that it maintains excellent relations with neighbouring countries in the region.

Minister Palmas closed his speech on the Cyprus issue, saying that the Cyprus is looking towards conditions for the resumption of talks for a Free, United Cyprus. He also discussed the latest developments in the UN-led process for a solution.

Federation President Christos Karaolis welcomed the Defence Minister and began his speech by discussing the value of UK-Cyprus ties. He said that “At a time of increasing instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, the importance of close coordination on defence and security between trusted partners such as Cyprus and the UK cannot be overstated.”

Mr Karaolis stressed that the “drone attack on RAF Akrotiri was a moment of real concern for all of us, not least because of the potential risks it posed to the island of Cyprus and its people.” “Yet,” he continued,” “we also saw something deeply reassuring, a collective and coordinated response from across Europe.”

Speaking about the Federation’s work on defence and security, Mr Karaolis mentioned a recent meeting with Europe Minister, Stephen Doughty. In the meeting, they exchanged views on “the attack at RAF Akrotiri and stressed the importance of further strengthening and deepening security coordination between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Cyprus.”

In closing, Mr Karaolis said “Cyprus continues to play a vital and constructive role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, not only in terms of security by building military partnerships with allies, but also in its humanitarian mission.”

Minister Vasilis Palmas was born in Limassol in 1964. He has previously served as Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic and as Government Spokesman in the Government of Tassos Papadopoulos as well as Deputy Minister to the President in the Government of Nicos Anastasiades.