Cyprus has been established as the most important regional hub for search and rescue missions, despite the country`s small size, Defence Minister Christoforos Fokaides said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an annual seminar, in Larnaca, organised by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), the Minister noted that after the refugee crisis in the region, the role of JRCC and of all competent services is very crucial.

In a period of instability, fraught with new challenges, Cyprus is as “a pillar of stability and security in the region” he added.

The seminar will last three days and aims at the training and mutual briefing of all services involved in search and rescue, as well as in crisis management in relation to refugee flows from conflict areas.