Following a one-on-one conversation, the negotiations continued in a broader format, with participation from the full delegation. A serious framework of issues concerning increasing cooperation in defense between the two friendly nations was discussed.

Minister of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus, Christoforos Fokaides, greeting the Armenian delegation, noted that this was the first visit by a Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Cyprus since 2002, and that this visit will serve as an important stimulus to bring new quality to the level of bilateral relations. According to Minister Fokaides, the centuries old friendship between Armenia and Cyprus and common interests and challenges are important prerequisites to deepen relations. The Minister of Defense of Cyprus specially emphasized the role of the Armenian community, which was established in Cyprus as far back as the 5th century, drawing a bridge between Armenia and Cyprus.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Vigen Sargsyan noted that Armenian-Cypriot relations are also based on an emotional pillar. In particular, Vigen Sargsyan expressed his gratitude for the fact that the President and Speak of Parliament of Cyprus participated in the commemorations of the 100 anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia noted that two programs exist to deepen Armenian – Cypriot defense relations. The first is the minimal, which entails the implementation of certain steps in the coming months. The second is the maximum, which will be assessed on a far longer time frame. The sides expressed assurances that a large potential for cooperation exists, particularly in military education, retraining of staff and a number of other fields. Agreements were reached to significantly increase the level of activity of bilateral interaction, rendering them periodic and organized.

The parties also referred to the conflict in Artsakh. Vigen Sargsyan presented the situation on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border. The Minister of Defense of Cyprus welcomed the willingness of the Armenian side to resolve the conflict through peaceful means, despite periodic provocation by the Azerbaijani side.

At the end of the negotiations, the Ministers of Defense of Armenia and Cyprus took part in a joint press conference, during which they summarized the results of the negotiations.

A signing ceremony also took place at the Ministry of Defense of Cyprus. In particular, the “2017 plan of activities in the sphere of defense between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Cyprus,” and the agreement concerning “mutual protection of classified information between the governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Cyprus” were signed.

On May 29th, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia met with members of the Armenian community of Cyprus at the Armenian prelature of Cyprus.

Patriarchal Vicar of the Diocese of Cyprus, Archbishop Khoren Toghramacheane welcomed Vigen Sargsyan’s visit to Cyprus, and expressed the willingness of the community to provide aid, particularly in the implementation of the “Nation-Army” concept. The Minister of Defense presented the current situation on the Artsakh-Azerbaijan border and the reforms taking place in army, and answered questions posed by the participants.

Vigen Sargsyan also placed a wreath on the memorial of the canonized victims of the Armenian Genocide.