Keynote Address of the 1st DAY
Lt Gen Dimokritos Zervakis Chief of the National Guard , Republic of Cyprus
Honourable Minister of Defence , Ladies and gentlemen ,
I am happy to be here today , at the HILTON hotel complex , for the commencement of the Conference " CYPSEC 2021 " Cyprus Defence and Homeland Security , organized by the company ZOMIDEA with the assistance of distinguished sponsors .
Starting my presentation , I feel appropriate to welcome all those who travelled to our beautiful island for the purpose of this Conference . I would also like to thank the organizing Committee and its contributors for inviting me to share with you some of my thoughts .
The General Staff of the National Guard participates in this activity which , let me admit , seems to present an interesting goal with dual characteristics . On the one hand , it attempts to demonstrate technologically advanced solutions to challenges related to Defence and Security issues , and on the other , it intends to strengthen the effort of domestic companies to integrate dynamically into the international ecosystem of the defence industry .
Dear Attendees ,
The National Guard is currently working hard , tirelessly and consistently , to consolidate peace , security and stability , always guided by the principles of international law and good neighbourly relations . It works for the security of a State geo-strategically located in a neighbourhood of the planet that could be easily characterized as volatile , thus fragile and full of security challenges .
Competitive co-existence is possible . But in any case we cannot be passive : Keeping the peace requires active effort , cutting-edge technology , innovative thinking , resilience , planning , spending resources and sacrifices to emphasize our credibility and will , in order to safeguard our interests .
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