Ministry of Defence (Cyprus)

History

The Ministry of Defence of Cyprus was created in 1960. Prior to its establishment, a transitional committee was formed between the signing of the Zurich-London Agreements on 19 February 1959 and the declaration of independence on 16 August 1960. The transitional committee had a temporary government position, with Osman Orek serving as Minister of Defence from 2 April 1959 to 15 August 1960.

Organization

The Ministry of Defence is responsible for ensuring the security of the Republic of Cyprus from any external threat and organizing the country's defence. Its headquarters are located in Strovolos Municipality. Initially, the Minister of Defence also held the position of Minister of Interior between 1964 and 1985.

List of Ministers

| Minister | Term |
| --- | --- |
| Osman Orek | 2 April 1959 – 15 August 1960 (transitional government) |

The following table presents all Defence Ministers since the official establishment of the Ministry:

| Minister | Term |
| --- | --- |
| Michális Giorgállas | 1 March 2023 – present |

See Also

* National Guard (Cyprus)
* Christodoulídis government
* Archbishop Makarios III