Nicosia: Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will travel to Cyprus on Monday as part of the defense assistance that Greece provides to Cyprus, the Greek government announced. Earlier today, Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote in a Facebook post that in the past week, the enhancement of Greece's national diplomacy and defense capabilities has been demonstrated through practical support in terms of security and solidarity.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Greek Prime Minister emphasized that as soon as the conflict in the Middle East posed a threat to the Hellenism of Cyprus, Greece immediately stood in support. He noted that Greece's swift action set an example followed by other partners, resulting in a European network of air and naval protection around Cyprus. Mitsotakis stressed the importance of a strong and immediate response when European territory is threatened by external dangers.
In the early hours of March 2, a Shahed-type drone targeted military facilities in the British Bases located in Akrotiri, at the southern tip of Cyprus, causing minor damage. This incident occurred amid regional turmoil following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The drone, believed to be linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon, triggered increased security measures. Several countries, including Greece and France, announced the deployment of warships, aircraft, and other air defense assets to shield Cyprus, while the UK also sent a warship. It is important to note that Nicosia reiterated its non-involvement in the wider Middle East conflict.