Cyprus Announces Plans for New Naval Base

The TRNC Minister of Transport, Erhan Arıklı, has called for Turkey to establish air and naval bases in North Cyprus, citing the ongoing military agreements and buildups by South Cyprus, including a new naval base in the Mari region. This base will enhance military cooperation between Greece and South Cyprus, which is positioning itself as a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas announced plans for a major naval base on Cyprus's southern coast, aimed at hosting large vessels for humanitarian missions to the Middle East, bolstering Cyprus' role as the EU's closest member to the region. The construction will be guided by an expert study and is supported by Greece's technical expertise. The naval base is expected to facilitate aid deliveries to areas like Gaza, further integrating Cyprus into geopolitical strategies in the region. Both developments reflect a significant shift in military and humanitarian dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.