Defence Ministers of Cyprus and USA discuss Gaza and Ukraine
09:50 - 21 December 2023
The Defence Ministers of Cyprus and the USA have discussed the situation in Gaza and Ukraine over a recent telephone call.
According to a press release by the Cypriot Ministry of Defence, Minister Michalis Giorgallas extended an invitation to his counterpart Lloyd J. Austin III to pay an official visit to Cyprus, which was accepted.
The ministry said the telephone conversation was held on the initiative of the US Secretary of Defence.
Austin III, setting as highest priority the safety of the American citizens as well as the American Forces who are in the region to provide humanitarian aid in the war zone, thanked his Cypriot counterpart for the close cooperation between the two countries, which allows the US to participate in an unhindered way in its missions.
The two officials also discussed the situation in Ukraine and Gaza. The US Secretary welcomed the firm stance of the Republic of Cyprus on the Ukrainian issue and praised the importance of Cyprus' supporting role in the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and Israel, the press release noted.
They also expressed satisfaction with the continuously growing bilateral defence cooperation, which confirms the very good relations between Cyprus and the USA.