01.10.2019.
Minister Vulin: Serbia is grateful for the continued support of Cyprus
Minister of defence of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vulin attended a military parade marking the 59th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of the minister of defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Savvas Angelides.
The national anthem and salvo of 21 honorary volleys marked the beginning of the parade, which featured, for the first time in a European Union Member State, a Serbian Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer and Miloš armoured vehicle, that have been used by the Cypriot army since recently.
Congratulating the national holiday on behalf of the President of the Republic of Serbia and the commander-in-chief of the Serbian Armed Forces, Mr Aleksandar Vučić, and on his own personal behalf, minister Vulin thanked the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the citizens of Cyprus for their consistent and persistent support when it comes to our fight to preserve Serbia's territorial integrity. He added that both the Government of the Republic of Serbia and all citizens of Serbia strongly support the territorial integrity, sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.“In the most difficult days for your people, we were with you. In the most difficult and darkest days of our history during the NATO aggression, you were with us. Both Serbs and you are old nations. We remember and never forget either good or evil. And we return both”, minister Vulin said.
Thanking for the friendship, the Serbian defence minister told the Cypriots that they could be sure that they would always have friends in Serbia.“We may be divided by the wide sea, but we are joined by the same values for which we live and die. Freedom above all”, minister Vulin said, addressing the media after the parade ended.
President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades has said that Cyprus wants to live in peace with its Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
Cypriot defence minister Savvas Angelides thanked Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vulin for all his kind words and practical cooperation, and Greek defence minister for his continued support.
“The parade showed new systems that are included in the National Guard. With the new armament, Cyprus is sending a message that it is modernising itself wishing to raise its level of combat readiness”, the Cypriot defence minister said.
