Cyprus will be make its own plans soon to strengthen defence and security, on condition that Cypriot companies participate in the production of any equipment purchased by the Republic of Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday.

He was speaking after a meeting with the newly-established Defence Industry Council, in the presence of Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, who said Cyprus’ defence industry has reached a point where it could produce products to strengthen both the country’s defence and other services in the Republic.

The president said he would attend an EU council on March 6 in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, as well as the need for member states to strengthen their defence, to which Cyprus could contribute.

He also said the EU members were unanimous in their approach towards enhancing the European defence industry, through collaborations among all members.

Palmas said Cyprus had submitted a proposal for strengthening EU defence.

He added that the government’s decision to set up the council would move Cyprus “from theory to practice” and that the defence ministry, with the production of defence systems, would be in a position to contribute to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Palmas said there were several companies in Cyprus that can directly manufacture products that contribute to the country’s armament programmes.

The council, which was established in January, expressed its commitment during Tuesday’s meeting to work towards a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen the country’s defence industry, aiming at medium and long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector, as well as reducing the National Guard’s dependence for supplies on foreign companies.