Thessaloniki, Greece. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday that Cyprus is “in no way involved in any military operation” and that actions by Nicosia are guided by the security of the country and its citizens.
Message delivered at Cyprus-Greece cultural session
Christodoulides made the remarks in a message delivered at the first session of the Cyprus-Greece Unified Cultural Doctrine, held in Thessaloniki, referring to an ongoing regional crisis and measures taken by Cyprus authorities. The address was read by the Consul General of Cyprus in the city, Konstantinos Polykarpou.
Readiness and coordination with partners
He said Cyprus’ authorities are at an “upgraded level of readiness” and are coordinating closely with partners in the European Union as well as with third countries. He described Cyprus as a pillar of “stability and security” in the region.
Greece’s support and defence measures
Christodoulides noted Greece’s support, saying it was “the first country to stand by Cyprus” following communication with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He said the dispatch of two pairs of fighter jets and two frigates to bolster Cyprus’ defence capability was “an extremely substantial action with great symbolic value.”
He added that the Greek government’s decision served as a precursor for other European states to support Cyprus, which, he said, “is not the target of any attacks.”
Evacuation transit requests
The President said Cyprus and Greece are acting together as “agents of stability and security” amid geopolitical instability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. He also said the government has received approaches from several states about the possible use of Cyprus as a transit hub for the safe evacuation of their nationals from the region.
What do you think Cyprus’ role as a transit hub could mean for regional coordination during a crisis?