The Chief of the Armed Forces of Ireland, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, paid an official visit to Cyprus between 9 and 10 July, at the invitation of the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas. According to a statement by the National Guard General Staff, General Clancy visited the Makedonitissa Tomb on 10 July, where he laid a wreath paying tribute to the memory of those who died in the struggle for the freedom of the Republic of Cyprus. Afterwards, an official reception took place at the Headquarters of the General Staff, followed by a private meeting between the two Chiefs during which they discussed developments regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip and Eastern Europe, as well as issues of common interest. It is added that there was also a briefing on the mission and operational capabilities of the NG, as well as expanded talks where the possibility of enhancing military cooperation between Cyprus and Ireland in other areas of common interest, both bilaterally and in the framework of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) actions, was explored. It is added that following the recent election of General Clancy as Chairman of the Military Committee, which he will assume in May 2025, there was a review of current issues relating to the CSDP, such as the development of military rapid response capabilities and current military operations. The Chiefs' programme also included a meeting with the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, the statement concludes. Source: Cyprus News Agency