Greek Minister of National Defence to attend Cyprus independence anniversary

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias is arriving in Cyprus on Wednesday to participate in events marking the 66th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus' independence. During his visit, Dendias will hold meetings with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Archbishop Georgios. The schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

On Thursday, October 1, the official military parade will take place on Iosif Ch. Iosif Avenue at 11:00 a.m. The event will be hosted by President Christodoulides, accompanied by the Cypriot Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, and the Greek Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias. The leadership of the National Guard and the Greek Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis, will also be present.

International representation at the parade is extensive, with high-ranking officials attending from the United Kingdom, Egypt, France, and the United States. Notable attendees include the Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, alongside various foreign ambassadors and defence attachés. While reports vary slightly regarding the exact timing of his individual meetings, it is confirmed that the diplomatic visit aims to reinforce bilateral relations between Greece and Cyprus.