Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis and Cyprus Archbishop Georgios visited Greece's frigate 'Kimon' at Limassol Port and expressed their gratitude for Athens' assistance and support.
'Kimon' arrived in Cyprus at the beginning of March following a drone incident targeting RAf Akrotiri when a drone sent from a location in Lebanon hit the Base. Greece also sent F16s and another frigate. Additional countries also sent military support.
Archbishop Georgios, along with the Minister of Justice and the Deputy Minister, were on 18 March briefed about the equipment and advanced systems of the warship by Vice Admiral of the Navy Ioannis Kizanis.
According to a statement from the Archdiocese, the Archbishop said that “We have been waiting for this arrival for many years'' and thanked the Greek government, the Defence Ministry and the Greek people for their solidarity, adding that he hoped warships would continue to arrive "until the liberation of this country."
Minister Fitiris said that he was honoured to visit the frigate which bears a name of great historical and symbolic importance for Hellenism and the sea.
He expressed his gratitude to the Greek government and the warship personnel for the dedication, professionalism and high sense of responsibility.
Fitiris said that, as a former Navy officer, he feels pride and deep emotion for the values of honour, discipline, brotherhood and absolute dedication to the mission that all officers carry.
Signing the guest book, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis said that in these difficult times, her presence on the warship shows support and recognition for the officers' mission.
“In moments when everyone’s endurance and readiness are tested, you stand with dignity and professionalism, serving the homeland and ensuring safety at sea. Your attitude is an example of responsibility and strength for all of us”, she wrote in the book.
(Source: CNA)
