Nicosia, Cyprus. The Greek naval Belharra class frigates Kimon and Psara arrived in Cypriot waters early on Wednesday and entered the republic’s maritime zone shortly after dawn, according to defence sources.
Frigates operating within Cyprus’s maritime zone
Defence sources said the two vessels have been operating within the boundaries of Cyprus’s maritime zone since their arrival.
Deployment follows Athens moves to bolster Cyprus security
The deployment follows a series of military and diplomatic moves by Athens aimed at bolstering Cyprus’s security after drone strikes and rising threats linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Christodoulides and Dendias discuss developments
Speaking in Nicosia on Tuesday after meeting Greek defence minister Nikos Dendias, President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus and Greece “stand united” and would “always be part of the solution” during the current crisis.
He described Greece’s response as both “substantial and symbolic”, adding that it was helping to shape a broader European response.
“Greece declares itself present once again,” Christodoulides said.
“A move of particular importance which also paves the way for the European Union. Your immediate response is followed by other European states,” he added.
Dendias, accompanied by the Hellenic national defence chief of staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, met Christodoulides and defence minister Vasilis Palmas at the presidential palace to assess developments after missiles were exchanged by the United States, Israel and Iran.
Aircraft arrival and frigates dispatched after drone strike
The talks came a day after four Greek F-16 fighter jets and a C-130 military transport aircraft arrived in Cyprus, while the two frigates were already en route.
The Greek vessels were dispatched following a drone strike attributed to Hezbollah that hit the area of the British base at Akrotiri.
What impact do you think the arrival of the frigates will have on Cyprus’s security?
