On Wednesday, the defense ministers of Cyprus and Greece met in Thessaloniki to discuss the latest international developments regarding security issues and defense cooperation between the two countries, where Vasilis Palmas is participating in the celebrations marking the anniversary of October 28 on behalf of the Cypriot government.
“I had the pleasure of meeting today in Thessaloniki with Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus, on the National Anniversary of October 28, 1940. We discussed the latest international developments regarding security issues and defense cooperation between our countries,” stated Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias in a post.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Είχα τη χαρά να συναντηθώ σήμερα στη Θεσσαλονίκη, με τον Υπουργό Άμυνας της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας @PalmasVasilis, ανήμερα της Εθνικής Επετείου της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940. Συζητήσαμε για τις τελευταίες διεθνείς εξελίξεις που αφορούν στα ζητήματα ασφάλειας και για την αμυντική συνεργασία των κρατών μας.
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) October 28, 2026
Furthermore, in his own post, Vasilis Palmas refers to the message of today’s anniversary, noting that “the historic ‘NO’ of the Greek people on October 28, 1940, was a defining moment in Greek history and a symbol of resistance with global resonance.”
It was, he continues, a resounding message against totalitarianism, expansionism, and the disregard for human dignity, leaving behind a timeless legacy of responsibility.
He specifically refers to the responsibility “to keep historical memory alive, to defend democratic ideals, to strengthen the unity of Hellenism, and to work toward a Europe and a world where freedom, peace, and justice will be non-negotiable values and solid foundations,” and concludes by wishing a happy New Year to Hellenism everywhere.
Similar messages were also sent by the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Happy Birthday, Greece! We honor the epic struggle of 1940, the unparalleled resistance of the Greek people and the Greek nation against fascism, which served as a milestone in the broader effort to repel the Axis powers, sending the message that the dignity and pride of a people cannot be measured by the power of weapons,” notes a post by the Presidency on social media.
For its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to a day of “determination and resistance, when the entire Hellenic world stood firm in defense of its freedom and national independence.”
It is noted that the Cypriots stood by Greece’s side even then, supporting the struggle in every way possible.
“We honor the memory of those who defended the ideals of democracy. It remains our duty to continue the struggle for freedom. Happy Birthday to the Greek community everywhere,” concludes the message from the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: CNA
