Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas met his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on the latest international security developments and defence cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, as the two countries marked the 86th anniversary of October 28, 1940.

Palmas is representing the Cyprus government at the Ochi Day celebrations in Thessaloniki, which culminate in a major military parade attended by Greece’s political and military leadership.

“I had the pleasure of meeting today in Thessaloniki with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Vasilis Palmas, on the anniversary of October 28, 1940,” Dendias said in a social media post.

“We discussed the latest international developments concerning security issues and defence cooperation between our countries,” he added.

Speaking separately to ‘Defence Redefined’in Thessaloniki, Palmas said defence cooperation between Cyprus and Greece had moved “from slogans to political action”, pointing to what he described as the permanent presence of Greek F-16 fighter jets and a Greek Navy vessel in Cyprus.

He said cooperation between Athens and Nicosia was excellent at both political and military levels, highlighting bilateral agreements and joint programmes, including those under the EU’s SAFE defence financing scheme. He also described the participation of Cypriot commandos in the Thessaloniki military parade as both symbolic and a practical demonstration of the close ties between the two countries.

Turning to defence procurement, Palmas referred to Cyprus’ cooperation with France and Israel, confirming that a contract for the acquisition of a new offshore patrol vessel from Israel had been signed on October 26. He added that further Israeli defence equipment programmes were being planned to strengthen the National Guard’s deterrent capabilities.

Palmas on Wednesday described Greece’s historic “No” of October 28, 1940, as a defining moment in Greek history and a symbol of resistance with worldwide significance, as he attended Ochi Day commemorations in Thessaloniki.

In a message on social media marking the 86th anniversary, Palmas said the Greek people’s refusal to surrender to fascist Italy sent a powerful message against totalitarianism, expansionism and disregard for human dignity.

He said the events of 1940 left behind an enduring responsibility to preserve historical memory, defend democratic ideals and strengthen unity among Greeks.

That responsibility, he added, extended to working towards “a Europe and a world where freedom, peace and justice are non-negotiable values and firm foundations.”

Palmas concluded by extending his wishes to Greeks around the world.

The Cyprus presidency also marked the anniversary, paying tribute to the Greek people’s resistance against fascism and their contribution to the wider Allied struggle during the Second World War.

“We honour the epic of 1940, the unparalleled resistance of the Greek people and the Greek nation against fascism, which marked a milestone in the broader effort to halt the Axis powers,” the presidency said.

It added that the events of 1940 demonstrated that “the dignity and pride of a people cannot be measured by the strength of weapons.”

The foreign ministry similarly described October 28 as a day of determination and resistance, when Greeks stood united in defence of their freedom and national independence.

It also highlighted the contribution of Cypriots who supported Greece during the war.

“Cypriots stood alongside Greece then, supporting the struggle in every possible way,” the ministry said.

“We honour the memory of those who defended the ideals of democracy. Our duty remains to continue the struggle for freedom,” it added.

The commemorations in Thessaloniki mark the culmination of three days of celebrations honouring the city’s liberation from Ottoman rule on October 26, 1912, the feast of its patron saint, Saint Demetrios, and the anniversary of October 28, 1940.

The military parade along Megalou Alexandrou Avenue is being attended by Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, opposition leader Nikos Androulakis, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, alongside Palmas and other dignitaries.

The programme includes a wreath-laying ceremony at 10.15am, followed by the parade at 11am.

For the first time this year, military contingents will march ahead of civilian groups, with the parade scheduled to conclude with a precision flying display by an F-16 fighter jet from the Greek Air Force’s Zeus demonstration team, piloted by Squadron Leader Christos-Paris Charitos.