Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander’s Bilateral Meeting With Republic of Cyprus Minister of Defense Charalambos[...]

Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:

Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Dr. Celeste Wallander met Republic of Cyprus Minister of Defense Charalambos Petrides today at the Pentagon to reaffirm the U.S.-Republic of Cyprus (ROC) defense relationship.

The leaders discussed Cyprus's forward, proactive and principled stance Russia's unprovoked, unjustified, and pre-meditated attack on Ukraine. Assistant Secretary Wallander and Minister Petrides also expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine's people, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

They also discussed the strong U.S.-ROC defense partnership, including the ROC's participation in the International Military Education and Training program.

Assistant Secretary Wallander and Minister Petrides agreed to continue to work toward deepening the U.S.-ROC relationship, while continuing to seek new areas for cooperation.