Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli on Friday at the presidential palace, amid rising regional tensions and increased military activity in the eastern Mediterranean.
Meeting scheduled at presidential palace
According to the official programme released by the presidency, Christodoulides will receive Metreweli at 9am. Metreweli heads MI6, the British agency responsible for foreign intelligence operations.
Regional tensions and increased military activity
The meeting comes as military activity linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran increases in the eastern Mediterranean. Metreweli’s visit follows a series of diplomatic and defence contacts between Cyprus and its partners after recent incidents connected to the British sovereign base areas on the island.
UK-Cyprus defence talks and air defences
Earlier on Thursday, Britain’s defence secretary John Healey held talks with Vasilis Palmas and said the “friendship” between the United Kingdom and Cyprus remains strong. Healey said the two sides discussed how Britain is “further reinforcing our air defences to support our shared security”.
Focus on crisis management and cooperation
Cyprus’ defence ministry said the meeting included an exchange of views on the security situation in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean and confirmed a shared intention to strengthen communication and cooperation on crisis management.
Drone strike at RAF Akrotiri
The discussions follow a drone strike earlier this week which hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri, one of Britain’s sovereign bases on the island. The incident triggered concern in Nicosia after some officials expressed frustration over what they saw as limited prior communication from London regarding the regional security situation.
What do you expect Cyprus to seek from the meeting with MI6 chief Blaise Metreweli?
