Nicosia - Kyiv, February 25 (PolitNavigator, Vasily Ablyazimov) - Despite pressure and a media campaign, Cyprus signed an agreement with Russia, which will allow the use of the island's ports as a military base for the Russian fleet, reports ABC.
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The deal with the European Union member, which also hosts British military bases, comes amid tensions between Russia and the West that are at their worst since the Cold War.
Russian President Vladimir Putin after Thursday’s talks with Cyprus President Nikos Anastasiadis agreed on an agreement to deploy warships on the island, which are participating in international anti-terrorist and anti-piracy activities. He added that military cooperation between Russia and Cyprus is not directed against any third party.
“Our friendly ties are not directed against anyone,” Putin said. “I don’t think this should be a concern for third parties.”
Anastasiadis said that negotiations are underway between Nicosia and Moscow on a similar deal to deploy Russian aircraft at the Cyprus air base.