Cyprus and Greece wish to promote stability and peace in the region, Defence Ministers of the two countries stressed on Thursday.

The new Greek National Defence Minister Demetris Avraamopoulos, who is paying an official visit to Cyprus met Thursday with Cypriot Defence Minister Demetris Eliades with whom he reaffirmed the excellent relations both between the two countries as well as between the two Ministries.

In a joint press conference with Eliades, Avraamopoulos stressed that despite the financial crisis hampering Greece, his country will not withdraw from national target, noting that Greece backs Cyprus` inalienable sovereign rights.

Welcoming the Greek Minister, Eliades said “the fact that his first visit is being made in Cyprus gives a message that Greece remains a steadfast supporter of the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.“

“Greece under any circumstances guarantees the present and future of the Republic of Cyprus,“ he added.