Today is a day of pride, a day to remember all those who lost their lives and those who are still missing but also an opportunity to draw strength from our heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives for us, said the Minister of Defense, Charalambos Petrides.

In statements to the press following a military parade, in Nicosia, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cyprus Independence Day, Petrides also said that Greece`s presence today communicates messages of unity. Apart from officials, the public was not allowed to attend because of the pandemic.

Petrides congratulated the Chief of the National Guard, the personnel of the armed forces and the security forces for the parade, which today took place under difficult conditions, as he said. He also thanked the Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos, saying that his presence sends the message of unity and solidarity.

Defense Minister also noted in his statements the presence of the Chief of the Italian Armed Forces and the representative of the Minister of the Armed Forces of France which also sends a strong message of stability and peace in the region. He added that the close cooperation with Italy and France will continue to grow.

In his statements the Minister of National Defense of Greece, Nikos Panagiotopoulos said that Cyprus and Greece are faced with common challenges and their struggle is common. He added that it is an honor to be here today for the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus. Panagiotopoulos praised the people of Cyprus who fought for their independence, adding that the struggle today is for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

He added that Cyprus and Greece fight a common fight to defend their national rights and to send a strong message that they are pillars of peace, security and stability in the region.

Panagiotopoulos also said that Turkey`s provocative and illegal activities within the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, an EU member state, are a clear violation of international law. He went on to say that we are coordinating our actions at European level to take decisions that defend our national interests.

The military parade in Nicosia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Cyprus’ Independence, was held in the presence of the acting President of the Republic, House President Demetris Syllouris. President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, is in Brussels for the European Council to discuss EU-Turkey relations.

The parade was attended by Cyprus` political leadership and foreign dignitaries and the Chief of the National Guard General Staff.