UK Defence Secretary John Healey hosted Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas in London yesterday for talks on shared security concerns and the further deepening of defence ties between the two countries.
The two ministers discussed regional security, defence cooperation and the continuing contribution of the British Forces Cyprus to stability in the area. They also discussed lessons learned from the period of conflict in the Middle East, which began in March.
Ahead of the outbreak of that conflict and in the days and weeks that followed, the UK deployed significant military assets to its Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, including additional fighter aircraft, air defence systems, advanced radars, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, specialist drone counter-teams and hundreds of additional air defence specialists.
Healey said: “It was my honour to host my friend and counterpart Vasilis Palmas today. Britain and the Republic of Cyprus share a deep and historic defence partnership, which underpins stability and security in Europe and beyond.
“I am proud of the way our countries worked together to help protect Cyprus, defend our allies and maintain regional stability.”
Yesterday’s meeting follows Healey’s visit to Cyprus in March, during which he met Palmas to reaffirm UK support for the defence of the Republic of Cyprus.
It also builds on the outcomes of the third UK-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue, held in Nicosia in December 2025, which established a renewed Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme covering joint military exercises and advanced training.
The UK and Cyprus maintain close defence cooperation underpinned by the Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. British Forces Cyprus work closely with the National Guard on exercises and capability-building activities. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation.
