The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Gen. Syrén, visited Cyprus upon invitation of the Chief of Defence (CHOD) of Cyprus, Lt. Gen. Petros Tsalikidis. The CHOD and his staff gave CEUMC a detailed and thorough presentation of the capabilities of the Cypriot National Guard, which was then complemented with static displays of units and assets at Army, Naval and Air Force bases. Moreover, CEUMC had open and straightforward exchange of views with the Minister of Defence, Mr. Costas Papacostas, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Markos Kyprianou, particularly on the ongoing political negotiations for the reunification of the island.

Dr. Kareklas (CY Permanent Defence Secretary, far left;
Mr. Papacostas, CY Minister of Defence, left;
Gen. Syrén, CEUMC, right; Lt. Gen. Tsalikidis, CY CHOD, far right)