CNA
Participating in a US military training program does not mean cutting ties with Russia, said Minister of Defence Charalambos Petridis after the end of a meeting with the Secretary General of opposition party AKEL.
Petridis said that the permanent goal of its Ministry was to cooperate with all friendly countries, without exception, adding that Cyprus` participation in international programs contributes to the development of bilateral relations. He added that US military training programs do not in any way involve cutting ties with other countries.
He also said that Russia “is a country with which we have had an excellent cooperation over time and I assure you that there is no question of terminating this cooperation”.
“We look forward to a substantive and productive partnership” he said.
He also expressed the view that the institution of Defense Minister should stay away from any controversy.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that for the first time, the US will provide international military education and training funding to Cyprus, as part of the State Department`s efforts to enhance relationships with key regional partners to promote stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
CNA
