Kikilias: We are strengthening the operational cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in maritime security

Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias met with the Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris.

During the meeting, they uderlined the immediate and practical strengthening of operational cooperation between the Hellenic Coast Guard and the competent Cypriot authorities, across the entire spectrum of sectors related to maritime security, combating illegal migration flows, joint training, as well as search and rescue.

The two ministers also exchanged views on security in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting that this requires constant vigilance and continuous strengthening of operational capabilities.

Kikilias briefed his Cypriot counterpart on the creation of a state-of-the-art Operations Centre for the Hellenic Coast Guard and, more generally, about the implementation of the “Aegis II” equipment programme, which includes the procurement of new technology, offshore vessels and pursuit vessels with cutting-edge surveillance capabilities. He underlined that the goal of all these operational upgrade initiatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard is a more effective policing of the seas and maritime borders, marine parks, the Exclusive Economic Zone, mining, fisheries and the country’s marine wealth.

Special reference was also made to the recent assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus and the importance of this institutional role for strengthening European cooperation on maritime security issues.