UAE indicators joint protection settlement with Cyprus

Jan 13, 2021

The United Arab Emirates and Cyprus signed a protection cooperation settlement yesterday within the newest partnership between the Gulf nation and a Mediterranean nation.

UAE Minister of State for Protection Affairs Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi signed the settlement throughout a videoconference with Cyprus’ Protection Minister Charalambos Petrides on Tuesday.

The settlement contains proposals for future joint coaching workout routines and operational cooperation. Petrides lauded the deal as inaugurating a strategic relationship between the 2 international locations’ militaries, based on The Related Press.

Tuesday’s deal is the most recent signal the UAE is capitalizing on its frequent trigger with Mediterranean nations against Turkey’s insurance policies within the area.

Cyprus presently has shut navy ties with Israel, Jordan and Egypt. Amid tensions between Greece and Turkey final yr, the UAE provided F-16s to partake in joint workout routines off Crete with Cypriot, Greek and French navy personnel.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed later penned a strategic partnership with Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in November, permitting the 2 international locations to station forces on one another’s territory and share intelligence.

The 2 international locations are additionally anticipated to ultimately alternate technical and upkeep data for his or her F-16s sooner or later. Each governments have additionally requested to purchase the US’ extremely superior F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a privilege Turkey misplaced, a minimum of for the foreseeable future, by buying Russia’s S-400 air protection system.

The UAE additionally partook within the Medusa-10 joint workout routines with French, Egyptian and Greek forces off the coast of Alexandria in late November.

The UAE has had covert ties with Israel for years however made these relations overt late final yr amid a Trump administration initiative to persuade Center Jap leaders to acknowledge the Jewish state.