Fotiou also said that significant improvements were to be made next year at the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos, so that it could play an important role in facilitating friendly countries and international organisations. Speaking at celebrations at the airbase for the patron saint of the air force, Archangel Michael, Fotiou said energy security would be achieved through cooperation with other states that have their own interests in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

He reiterated that the base contributed to strengthening the geopolitical and geostrategic position and role of Cyprus in the region, adding that Cyprus was becoming a factor of stability, security and peace in the south-eastern Mediterranean. Fotiou added that, despite the financial crisis, the country’s armed forces were ready to defend Cyprus’ sovereign rights.

Source: Cyprus Mail