President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his pride in the National Guard during his visit on Saturday to the “Alefka” outpost in the Pyrgos Tyllirias area, ahead of Easter, which he described as “the most important holy day of Christianity,” he said.
He conveyed “warm thanks on behalf of the State for your service in the National Guard,” adding:
“We are proud of the National Guard. We are proud of all of you, as well as of its permanent staff.”
The significance of service
Christodoulides referred to his own military service, noting that there were times when he questioned the importance of serving 26 months in the National Guard.
“Believe me, for those of you who wonder, there will be moments when, after you complete your service, you will understand its value much more.”
Strengthening deterrence is a top priority
He stressed Cyprus’s security environment and geopolitical reality:
“We are a country under occupation. We are a country in a region of particular geostrategic importance. We are a member state of the EU, and for all these reasons strengthening the deterrent capability of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus is an absolute priority for us.”
He highlighted the recent improvement of employment conditions for Contracted Soldiers and the further training and international cooperation underway for military personnel.
“For the first time, we are sending permanent National Guard officers to academies in the United States,” he said, adding that upgrades to naval and airbase infrastructure and ongoing armament programmes reinforce Cyprus’s deterrent capacity and international standing.
“Cyprus’s future also passes through the National Guard”
The President referenced the anniversary of the EOKA struggle:
“I am here a few days after the purest struggle this country has seen, the EOKA liberation struggle. It may not have achieved the goal set at its beginning, but it brought about the Republic of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus is the most important thing we have, and its existence and advancement also pass through the National Guard.”
“Pride at home and abroad”
Christodoulides recalled his years as Foreign Minister:
“I often felt proud when I travelled, especially to neighbouring states. In Jordan, in Egypt, in Israel, I heard many times about the professionalism of National Guard officers during joint exercises with the United Arab Emirates, with Greece and especially with countries of the region.”
He concluded by wishing the troops a Happy Easter.