Palmas: Cooperation with US and EU to upgrade bases

The Ministry of Defence is in discussions with the United States and the European Union to upgrade the "Andreas Papandreou" Air Base in Paphos and the "Evangelos Florakis" Naval Base in Mari. This was stated by the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas.

Mr. Palmas stressed that the bases will remain Cypriot property and will serve allied forces in training and other missions. The upgrade of the naval base is expected to be completed in 2-3 years, while the air base upgrade is expected to be completed in 1.5-2 years.

The Minister of Defence stated that Cyprus' geographical position strengthens its role in the region, making the modernization of the bases necessary.