‘Protecting Cyprus’ maritime rights a national security priority’

A simulated terrorist hijacking, a hostage rescue operation, mass evacuations and a major oil spill were staged during the multinational Nemesis 2026 exercise on Wednesday, bringing together eight countries, 860 personnel and 39 naval and aerial assets in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said the protection of Cyprus’ maritime territory, the safeguarding of its sovereign rights and security in the eastern Mediterranean remain firm priorities for the Republic. Speaking at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base in Mari, where senior officials and foreign diplomats observed the exercise, Palmas stressed that Cyprus’ geographical position, at the crossroads of three continents and in a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic importance, makes the sea an integral part of its national security. “The protection of our maritime space, the safeguarding of our sovereign rights and the maintenance of security in the eastern Mediterranean are steadfast priorities of the Republic of Cyprus,” he said. Palmas also linked maritime security directly to the development of Cyprus’ offshore energy resources. “We fully recognise that the exploitation of natural resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone creates significant opportunities. These opportunities, however, come with responsibilities concerning the security of infrastructure, the protection of activities and the safeguarding of a stable and predictable environment for cooperation,” he said. Opportunity to test Cyprus’ ability to respond The minister described Nemesis 2026 as an important opportunity to test Cyprus’ ability to respond to terrorist attacks, search-and-rescue emergencies and marine pollution incidents within its EEZ. He said the exercise allowed participating countries to assess their operational capabilities, test existing procedures and strengthen cooperation and coordination. Initiatives such as Nemesis, he added, carry particular political and strategic significance, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing challenges that extend beyond national borders. Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States took part in the exercise. “The success of today’s exercise is the result of a collective effort and confirms that cooperation and proper coordination are essential conditions for effectively addressing challenges in maritime security,” he said. Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, he said the government’s consistent western foreign policy orientation had strengthened Cyprus’ international credibility. “The Republic of Cyprus now has a consistent, stable, western-oriented political approach, particularly in its foreign relations,” he said.