The Republic of Cyprus , approaches this situation in close collaboration with regional partners , implementing various cooperation mechanisms . The common denominator for the countries that participate in these partnerships is the understanding that these arrangements serve as a model of regional dialogue , contributing to the consolidation of peace , stability and prosperity .
Particularly , Cyprus , has promoted bilateral , trilateral and quadrilateral cooperation mechanisms with key players in the region such as Greece , Israel , Egypt , France , Italy , Jordan , and Lebanon and now we are in the process of establishing similar cooperation mechanisms with a number of Gulf countries .
The Ministry of Defence , is responsible for putting into effect this Government Policy especially regarding the security and territorial integrity of Cyprus . In this framework , the Ministry of Defence delivers two outputs : Defence Policy and Military Capability , which aim at strengthening the country ’ s overall security . Our defence policy is to enhance our bilateral defence and military cooperation with key EU member states , the regional partners , building close military to military ties , forging close staff to staff contacts and enhancing our interoperability through exercises .
In this context we have established Trilateral Defence Ministers Summits and trilateral annual defence and military cooperation programmes which boosts our interoperability . For example , we conduct large scale exercises with the participation of Greece and Egypt , France , UAE while we aspire that in the next year , we will have new defence formations created between Cyprus and other partners .
While maintaining strong military relationships in our Region , the MoD is also developing internal military capabilities and allocate the country ’ s economic resources with a targeted and reasonable way keeping the balance between the sense of security and social welfare . Our priorities are power multiplier solutions regarding High technology-long distance weapons .
MoD put forward the implementation of new structures and processes inside MoD , by upgrading the Research and Innovation Sector , which has been entitled all research and innovation responsibilities , at national , European and bilateral cooperation levels with other countries .
By Developing Local defence technological and industrial capabilities we envision to respond to our security challenges , as well as to foster a competitive , innovative and efficient Local Research and Innovation Ecosystem in Dual Use Technologies . Toward this effort , we support Cypriot entities in receiving EU funding from Research and Development funds , especially from the European Defense Fund .
Today we can all be proud of the fact that 8 Cypriot entities participate in European Defence Industrial Program while for first time our Ministry with the collaboration of Research and Innovation Foundation facilitated to receive a 3 million fund from the EU Recovery Program to finance new R & D projects for Dual Use technologies . Furthermore , allocating governmental resources R & D Defence actions are also promoted .
Dear friends , distinguished guests , while working to enhance our defence capabilities , we strongly believe that peace is the best option for our region . Our hope is that all countries of the region will seize this opportunity to engage in peace making , respect of international law , respect for the territorial integrity , sovereignty and sovereign rights of their neighbours to create an umbrella of security in our region .
I will end my remarks on this note , hoping that I have given enough food for thought to stir your Conference discussion .
Thank you for your attention .
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