Defence ministers to assess presence of Greek military assets in Cyprus

Cyprus and Greece are set to assess the continued presence of Greek military assets on the island, as regional tensions linked to the Middle East crisis remain under close review.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas is in Athens, where he is scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias.

Speaking to CyBC radio, Palmas said discussions would focus on managing risks arising from the ongoing instability in the wider Middle East and eastern Mediterranean region.

A key issue on the agenda is whether Greek military assets deployed to Cyprus following the March 2 attack on the British base at RAF Akrotiri will remain on the island or be withdrawn.

These assets include the frigates “Kimon” and “Psara”, both equipped with advanced surveillance systems, as well as two pairs of F-16 fighter jets. The aircraft have been stationed over the past three weeks at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos.

Palmas said the meeting would include a broader review of the security situation in the region, particularly developments in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean.

He also addressed preparations for the upcoming summer fire season, stating that the Republic of Cyprus would have all necessary means at its disposal to deal with wildfires.