Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece will stand by the Republic of Cyprus “whenever needed” during a visit to the Greek frigate Kimon, alongside President Nikos Christodoulides.
Visit aboard the frigate Kimon
Mitsotakis and Christodoulides visited the frigate accompanied by Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis. The Greek prime minister thanked the crews of the two Greek frigates deployed in the region, praising their readiness to undertake what he described as an important mission.
“We did our duty to protect Cyprus at this difficult moment,” Mitsotakis said, noting that the ships departed within five hours of the operational order being issued. He added that the rapid deployment demonstrated the operational readiness of the Greek Armed Forces, particularly the Navy.
Message of support to Cyprus
Mitsotakis stressed that Greece will remain available to assist Cyprus if required. “You should always know that we are here for whatever is needed,” he said, adding that the frigate had moved into operational action soon after being delivered to the Navy.
President Christodoulides thanked the Greek prime minister for his visit and support, stating that the Cypriot people and the state appreciate Greece’s presence in safeguarding the Republic of Cyprus.
Security measures after drone strike
In the early hours of 2 March, a Shahed-type drone struck military facilities at the British sovereign base in Akrotiri, causing minor damage. The Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle is believed to have been linked to Hezbollah operating in Lebanon. The incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
The attack prompted heightened security measures in Cyprus, with several countries including Greece, France, Spain and the United Kingdom deploying warships, fighter jets and other military assets in the region. The government in Nicosia has repeatedly stated that the Republic of Cyprus is not involved in the wider Middle East conflict.