UK Defence Secretary John Healy and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas discussed ways to deepen UK-Cyprus bilateral relations, on Wednesday, during Heal's second visit to Cyprus since the new UK Government took office in July. This deepening cooperation includes upcoming Staff Talks and the signing of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme, in London, in November, according to a press statement forwarded by the British High Commission. The key aims of the Defence Secretary's visit were to deepen UK-Cyprus bilateral relations and discuss perspectives on the regional situation and to meet and thank UK troops on standby for potential evacuation operations, it is added. Healy noted that Cyprus 'has a very big role which will be central to many countries' adding that 'the UK is very grateful to have Cyprus as a trusted and reliable partner.' It is also noted that bilateral engagements included a meeting with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas where the two Ministers discussed their mutual ambition for d eepening defence cooperation between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus. The Defence Secretary also met with the Chief of the National Guard, Georgios Tsitsikostas. Source: Cyprus News Agency